Evie Summers
Sleeper has several meanings depending on the context. In the context of sleep, a sleeper is someone who sleeps in a stated way, for example, a light sleeper. Sleeper can also refer to a carriage in a train with beds for passengers to sleep in. Sleeper can also refer to a piece of timber, stone, or steel on or near the ground that supports a superstructure, keeps railroad rails in place, or receives floor joists. Sleeper also has a slang meaning, referring to a spy or a mole. In the context of entertainment, a sleeper is a film, play, or book that is not initially very successful but later becomes a surprise success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Person, animal, or thing that sleeps | Light sleeper, deep sleeper, poor sleeper, good sleeper, rough sleeper |
| Train with beds for passengers | Sleeper car, sleeper seats |
| Furniture that can be converted into a bed | Sleeper sofa, sleeper chair |
| A piece of timber, stone, or steel that supports a superstructure | Railway sleeper |
| Slang | Sleeper hit, sleeper agent, sleeper cell |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeper as a noun for a person or thing that sleeps
- Sleeper as a noun for a railway sleeping car or compartment
- Sleeper as a noun for a piece of timber, stone, or steel supporting a superstructure
- Sleeper as an adjective describing something that achieves unexpected success
- Sleeper as a noun for a spy planted in advance for future use
Sleeper as a noun for a person or thing that sleeps
Sleeper has several meanings when used as a noun for a person or thing that sleeps.
Firstly, a sleeper can refer to a person who sleeps in a particular way. For example, a light sleeper is someone who is easily woken up. It can also refer to a person who is sleeping, as in the phrase "the snores of the sleepers".
Secondly, a sleeper can refer to various forms of transport that have beds or sleeping compartments for passengers. This includes sleeper seats on aircraft, carriages on trains, and sleeping cars or compartments on trains.
Thirdly, a sleeper can refer to a piece of furniture that can be converted into a bed, such as a sofa or chair.
The term sleeper can also be used in a more figurative sense. It can refer to a person or thing that achieves unexpected success after a period of obscurity or inactivity. For example, a movie, play, or book that initially goes unnoticed but later becomes a surprise hit can be called a sleeper. In the context of espionage, a sleeper is a spy who is planted in advance and remains inactive until they are needed.
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Sleeper as a noun for a railway sleeping car or compartment
A sleeper, also known as a sleeping car, is a railway carriage or compartment that contains beds for passengers to sleep in. The earliest example of a sleeper was a bed carriage used on the London & Birmingham and Grand Junction Railways between London and Lancashire, England, in the 1830s. The beds in these carriages were first made available to first-class passengers in 1838. The following year, the Cumberland Valley Railroad introduced a sleeping car service in the United States, with a car named "Chambersburg".
Sleeper cars typically feature different types of sleeping compartments, such as roomettes or compartments, which are private rooms for one or two passengers with sleeping berths, washbasins, and sometimes private toilets. Some sleepers also offer double bedrooms or deluxe bedrooms, which are larger and more luxurious compartments that can accommodate two or three passengers and often include enclosed toilet-and-shower facilities.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of sleeper trains, particularly in Europe, due to increasing awareness of the environmental impact of long-distance travel. Belgian-Dutch start-up European Sleeper, for example, operates sleeper trains from Amsterdam to Berlin, Prague, Innsbruck, and Venice.
Sleeper trains are also common in other parts of the world, such as China, which operates an extensive network of conventional sleeper trains throughout the country, covering all provincial capitals and major cities. The Chinese "hard" sleeping car consists of 6 fixed bunk beds per compartment, which can be converted into seats during peak season.
Overall, sleeper cars or compartments provide a convenient and comfortable option for passengers travelling long distances by train, offering a place to rest and sleep during their journey.
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Sleeper as a noun for a piece of timber, stone, or steel supporting a superstructure
A sleeper is a piece of timber, stone, or steel that is placed on or near the ground to provide support for a superstructure, maintain the position of railroad rails, or receive floor joists. They are often used as a foundation or support for railroad tracks, ensuring the stability and alignment of the rails. Sleepers are typically made of heavy-duty materials like timber, concrete, or steel, and they play a crucial role in the construction of railways and other structures.
In the context of railways, sleepers are also known as "railway sleepers" or "ties". They are large, heavy beams that are laid horizontally on the ground. The rails of a railway track are placed on top of these sleepers, which provide a stable base and distribute the weight of trains evenly. This helps to ensure the safety and smooth operation of trains by maintaining the correct gauge and preventing the rails from sinking into the ground under the weight of passing trains.
Sleepers are also used in construction to support superstructures and receive floor joists. In this context, they serve as a crucial component of the building's foundation, transferring the load of the structure onto the ground or other supporting surfaces. Sleepers can be made of timber, stone, or steel, depending on the specific requirements and load-bearing needs of the project.
The term "sleeper" can also refer to a type of furniture. A sleeper sofa, chair, or other piece of furniture is designed to transform into a bed. These versatile pieces of furniture are often used in spaces where there is a need for both seating and sleeping accommodations, such as in small apartments or when accommodating guests. Sleeper furniture provides convenience and space-saving functionality.
In addition to these meanings, the term "sleeper" has a variety of other uses. It can refer to a person who is sleeping or to the quality of sleep, such as a light sleeper who wakes up easily. It can also be used in slang to refer to a spy or a mole, indicating someone who operates secretly or deceptively. In bowling, a sleeper is a pin hidden from view by another pin, adding an element of surprise to the game.
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Sleeper as an adjective describing something that achieves unexpected success
Sleeper is an adjective used to describe something that achieves unexpected success. This usage of the word is often associated with films, plays, or books that are initially unsuccessful but eventually find an audience and become successful.
For example, a "sleeper hit" could describe a movie that was not expected to perform well at the box office but exceeded expectations and became a surprise success. This could be due to strong word-of-mouth, critical acclaim, or a successful marketing campaign that positioned the film in a way that resonated with audiences.
Similarly, a play could be described as the "sleeper of the season" if it initially struggled to find an audience but eventually gained popularity and critical recognition. This could be due to strong reviews, award recognition, or positive word-of-mouth from those who have seen the play.
In literature, a book that initially fails to find a wide readership but gradually gains a dedicated following could be described as a sleeper success. This could be due to the book resonating with a niche audience, receiving endorsements from influential individuals or organizations, or simply being discovered by readers years after its initial publication.
The term "sleeper" can also be applied beyond the arts, describing any person or endeavor that achieves unexpected success after a period of obscurity or inactivity. For example, a political candidate who was not initially favored but who gains momentum and wins an election could be described as a sleeper candidate.
In summary, the adjective "sleeper" describes something that achieves success in a way that defies initial expectations or predictions, often due to factors such as strong word-of-mouth, critical recognition, effective marketing, or a resonance with a specific audience.
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Sleeper as a noun for a spy planted in advance for future use
A sleeper agent, or simply a sleeper, is a spy who is planted in a target country or organisation while presenting themselves as a regular, innocent citizen. They are not activated immediately but are instead left in place until they are needed in the future. This could be years after their initial deployment.
Sleeper agents are often used to infiltrate terrorist organisations or enemy governments. They may be activated to steal sensitive information, carry out an assassination, or sabotage key infrastructure. Sleeper agents can be very effective because they have time to establish themselves as trusted members of the community or organisation they are targeting. This allows them to gain access to sensitive information or areas that may be guarded or restricted.
The use of sleeper agents can be highly controversial, particularly when they are used against friendly nations or when their actions lead to the loss of life. There are also ethical considerations regarding the use of sleeper agents, as they may be asked to carry out acts that violate the laws or norms of their host country.
The effectiveness of sleeper agents depends on their ability to remain undetected. If a sleeper agent is discovered, it can cause significant damage to the relationship between the host country and the country that planted the agent. It can also put the agent themselves in danger, as they may be captured, imprisoned, or even executed.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeper can refer to someone who is asleep or to describe how well someone sleeps. For example, a light sleeper is easily woken up.
Sleeper can refer to a sofa, chair, or other piece of furniture that can be unfolded or opened up into a bed.
Sleeper can refer to a carriage or compartment in a train with beds for passengers to sleep in. It can also refer to the heavy timber or concrete beams that support the rails of a railway track.
Sleeper can refer to a film, play, or book that is not initially successful but becomes a surprise success later on.
