1 A2 neutral
To sleep later than one's usual time, especially on a day off.
"After a busy week, she finally got to sleep in on Saturday morning."
inseparable
sleep in
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To sleep later than usual in the morning, especially intentionally.
In plain English
To stay asleep in the morning for longer than usual, often on a day off.
What does "sleep in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To sleep at one's place of work rather than travelling home (e.g. a live-in carer or domestic worker).
"The nanny sleeps in during the week and goes home on weekends."
inseparable
3 A2 neutral
To sleep through an alarm and wake up late as a result (accidental).
"He slept in and missed the first train, arriving to work an hour late."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remain inside (in bed) while sleeping — largely transparent.
Actually means
To stay asleep in the morning for longer than usual, often on a day off.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday English. 'Sleep in' is standard in American English; British speakers often prefer 'have a lie-in'. Can also mean to reside at a place of work, but this sense is less common.
Words that pair with "sleep in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
weekend Saturday Sunday holiday late morning
How to conjugate "sleep in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sleep in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sleeps in
he/she/it
Past simple
slept in
yesterday
Past participle
slept in
have + pp
-ing form
sleeping in
continuous
Hear "sleep in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sleep in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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