WordGarden.iosleepy
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /slˈiːpi/
US
- /ˈslipi/
Meanings
Adjective
feeling tired and ready to sleep
quiet, slow, or not very active
Beyond the definition
To be sleepy means to feel like you need to sleep. It is that heavy-eyed, yawning feeling that comes when your body is ready to rest. A sleepy kitten might curl up in a sunny spot, and a sleepy driver should pull over. You can feel sleepy, look sleepy, or act sleepy by moving more slowly and having less energy. We can also call a place sleepy when it is very quiet and calm, like a small town on a Sunday afternoon.
"Sleepy" describes the state of feeling tired enough to want to sleep, but not necessarily being fully exhausted. It's that gentle pull towards rest, often accompanied by heavy eyelids, slow speech, and a general lack of energy. Think of a warm blanket and a good book—those things make you feel sleepy!
The word isn't limited to people, either. We use "sleepy" to describe places or atmospheres that evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. A "sleepy village" suggests a peaceful, quiet place where not much happens. Similarly, a "sleepy beach" might have gentle waves and soft sand, perfect for napping.
"Sleepy" can also be used figuratively to describe a lack of activity or momentum. For instance, a "sleepy market" or a "sleepy stock" refers to one that isn't very active or dynamic, where very little trading is happening. In this context, it suggests a state of dormancy or slow movement rather than a lack of health. We also use the term "sleepyhead" as a gentle, affectionate way to describe someone who is struggling to wake up.
Unlike words like "exhausted," which imply total depletion, "sleepy" suggests a natural, often comforting desire for rest. It is the cozy prelude to sweet dreams. So next time you feel your eyes drooping and a yawn creeping up, remember: you are simply… sleepy!
Examples
- 1
After lunch
I feel sleepy after lunch if I don’t get outside for a walk.
- 2
Children
The kids got sleepy during the long drive home.
- 3
Appearance
You look sleepy. Did you stay up late?
- 4
Medicine side effect
This cold medicine makes me sleepy, so I only take it at night.
- Patternmake + person + sleepy
cause someone to feel sleepy
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Voice
She answered the phone in a sleepy voice.
- 6
Quiet town
We spent the weekend in a sleepy little town by the sea.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sleepyadjective
Forms
- sleepiercomparativeadjective
- sleepiestsuperlativeadjective