Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

asleep

/əˈsliːp/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.36 in modern English

Syllables: asleep
IPA: /əˈsliːp/

8

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.

adj

Slang

adj

Having a numb or prickling sensation accompanied by a degree of unresponsiveness.

adj

Example Sentences

"I was asleep when you called."
"Never disturb a man asleep."
"How could you miss that? Were you asleep?"
"The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it."
"My arm fell asleep. You know, like pins and needles."
"Louisa sat in the car crying, until her foot fell asleep. She shook her foot violently, afraid the numbness would turn to frostbite."

Etymology

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

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Prefix: a
Root: aslepe

Usage

Slang

Derived Forms

unasleep

Phrases

asleep at the switch asleep at the wheel dead asleep every shut eye isn't asleep fall asleep fall asleep in the Lord falling asleep fast asleep

Frequently Paired Words

pins and needles sleepy

Synonyms

asleep cold comatose dead to the world dormant down for the count in the arms of Morpheus in the arms of Murphy nangry out cold out like a light sacked out

Antonyms

awake

Rhymes With

keep sleep deep cheap sheep steep sweep leap creep jeep heap reap

Questions

How do you pronounce asleep?: The recorded pronunciation is /əˈsliːp/.
What does asleep mean?: In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.
Where does asleep come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce asleep

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “asleep”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/əˈsliːp/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “asleep”.
Repeat and practice — Say “asleep” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.