■ noun
1》 a regularly recurring condition of body and mind in which the nervous system is inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended.
2》 a gummy secretion found in the corners of the eyes after ~.
■ verb ( past and past participle slept slɛpt )
1》 be in a state of ~.
↘( ~ something off ) recover from something by going to ~.
↘( ~ in ) remain a~ or in bed later than usual in the morning.
2》 provide (a specified number of people) with beds or bedrooms.
3》 ( ~ together/with ) have sex or be involved in a sexual relationship.
↘( ~ around ) have many casual sexual partners.
Phrases
put someone to ~ make someone unconscious with drugs or anaesthetic.
put something to ~ kill an animal painlessly.
~ like a log (or top ) ~ very soundly.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~lessly adverb
~lessness noun
Origin
OE slēp , slp (n.), slēpan , slpan (v.), of Gmc origin.