asleep · adjective never before noun /əˈsliːp/
Word family
Nouns: sleep, sleeper
Adjectives: asleep, sleepless, sleepy
Verbs: sleep
Adverbs: sleepily
asleep (SLEEPING)
B1 sleeping or not awake
Dictionary examples:
The children are asleep.
I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
I'm surprised to see you awake - ten minutes ago you were fast/sound asleep.
I've only just got up and I'm still half asleep.
Learner example:
I prefer reading alone, when I'm in my bed before I fall asleep. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)
asleep (FEELING)
C2 If part of your body is asleep, you cannot feel it.
Dictionary example:
My arm fell asleep.
fast asleep
C2 completely asleep
Dictionary example:
I looked into his room but he was still fast asleep.
Learner example:
Then she took a relaxing bath and 20 minutes later she was fast asleep. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)
