doss down

B2 informal intransitive

In simple words

To sleep somewhere that isn't your bed, usually in a rough or temporary spot.

Literal meaning: To lie down for a doss (British slang: a sleep).

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To sleep in a makeshift or temporary location, especially when you don't have a proper bed available.

"We didn't have enough beds, so two of the guests dossed down on the living room floor."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

rare

To sleep rough or without a fixed home, often on the streets.

"During those difficult months, he was dossing down in doorways around the city."

Usage notes

British English. Often implies sleeping rough or at someone else's place informally. Associated with backpacking, poverty, or casual visits.

floor sofa friend's place hostel rough anywhere

Base

doss down

I/you/we/they

3rd person

dosses down

he/she/it

Past simple

dossed down

yesterday

Past participle

dossed down

have + pp

-ing form

dossing down

continuous

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