WordGarden.iodrowse
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /drˈaʊz/
US
Meanings
Verb
to be sleepy or drift into a light sleep
Noun
a light sleepy doze
Beyond the definition
To drowse is to be sleepy and only partly awake, close to falling asleep but not fully gone. Think of a warm afternoon when you sit quietly and let the hours pass in a soft, sleepy way. You might begin to drowse after a heavy meal, during a long ride, or while listening to a steady, dull sound.
The word suggests light, gentle sleepiness rather than deep sleep. A cat in a sunny spot may seem to drowse, and so may someone in a rocking chair or by a fire. It often gives a calm and peaceful feeling, though it can also suggest tiredness.
To drowse means to be in a sleepy state and to start slipping into light sleep. It often describes that quiet moment when your eyes grow heavy, your thoughts slow down, and you are no longer fully alert. For example: "The warmth of the fire made him drowse," or "She sat by the window, listening to the rain and beginning to drowse."
Unlike falling fully asleep, drowsing suggests staying near the edge of sleep. You may still hear sounds around you or open your eyes again after a moment. People often drowse on a sofa, on a train, in a waiting room, or after lunch. The word is usually gentle in tone and often fits calm, warm, or quiet settings.
It can describe a pleasant, restful feeling, but it is not always positive. Someone may drowse because they are worn out, sick, or affected by medicine. The related adjective is "drowsy," as in "a drowsy child" or "a drowsy afternoon." Overall, the word paints a clear picture of light sleepiness and a slow drift toward sleep.
Examples
- 1
Car ride
He drowsed in the back seat for most of the drive.
- 2
Hot afternoon
We spent the hot afternoon drowsing in the shade.
- 3
Warm room
The room was so warm and quiet that a few people began to drowse.
- 4
Movie watching
She drowsed through the second half of the movie and missed the ending.
- Patterndrowse through + event/time
spend that time half asleep
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- drift off
- slumber
Contrast
- wake
- stay awake
Used with (collocations)
- drowse in a chair
- drowse in the sun
Word family
Explore
- sleepiness
- light sleep
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- drowsenounverb
Forms
- drowsing-ing formverbnoun
- drowsedpast tenseverbnoun
- drowsespluralnounverb