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sleeper definition

sleeper (slēpər)

noun

  1. a person or animal that sleeps, esp. as specified a sound sleeper
  2. a timber or beam laid horizontally, as on the ground, to support something above it
  3. Chiefly Brit. a tie supporting a railroad track
  4. sleeping car
  5. ☆ a previously disregarded person or thing that unexpectedly achieves success, assumes importance, etc.
  6. Slang mole (sense )
    1. a kind of pajamas for infants and young children, that enclose the feet
    2. bunting (sense )
  7. Bowling a pin concealed by one in front of it, in bowling for a spare

Etymology: ME slepere < OE slæpere

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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