English dictionary

asleep Meaning & Definition

ə-ˈslēp

What Does Asleep Mean?

Asleep is used as an adjective meaning being in a state of sleep. It is also used to mean dead. As an adverb, it means into a state of sleep.

Asleep in Brief

Part of speech	adjective, adverb
Pronunciation	/ə-ˈslēp/
Syllables	2
Synonyms	benumbed, numb and deceased
Antonyms	awake, sleepless and wakeful

Asleep Definition (Adjective)

being in a state of sleep
dead
lacking sensation : numb
inactive, dormant
not alert : indifferent

Asleep as an Adverb

into a state of sleep
into the sleep of death
into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Asleep in a Sentence

I was asleep when you called.

Never disturb a man asleep.

How could you miss that? Were you asleep?

My arm fell asleep. You know, like pins and needles.

was sound asleep when the earthquake struck

after sitting cross-legged all afternoon, I arose only to discover that my right foot was asleep

let us pray for those who are now asleep

Word Forms & Grammar

asleep

asleep (not comparable)

Words That Rhyme With Asleep

creep weep deep sweep keep peep reap leap steep heap seep clepe sleep eternal sleep cheap threap sheep cheepwhite sheepbeep black sheep bleep leep put to sleep jeep oversleep upkeep beauty sleep sneap cat sleep

Origin of Asleep

Origin 1: Middle English aslepe, from Old English on slæpe

Origin 2: From Middle English aslepe, equivalent to a- (“in, on”) +‎ sleep.

First Known Use

12th century

Pronouncing Asleep

The standard pronunciation of asleep is /ə-ˈslēp/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (slēp).

Asleep: Your Questions Answered

Is asleep an adjective or an adverb?

Asleep is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb.

What is another word for asleep?

You can replace asleep with words such as benumbed, numb and deceased. See the full list of asleep synonyms and antonyms.