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drowse

verb
\ ˈdrau̇z How to pronounce drowse (audio) \
drowsed; drowsing

Definition of drowse

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to be inactive
2 : to fall into a light slumber

transitive verb

1 : to make drowsy or inactive
2 : to pass (time) drowsily or in drowsing

drowse

noun

Definition of drowse (Entry 2 of 2)

: the act or an instance of drowsing : doze
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about drowse

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Synonyms for drowse

Synonyms: Verb

catnap, doze, kip [British], nap, slumber, snooze

Synonyms: Noun

catnap, doze, forty winks, kip [chiefly British], nap, siesta, snooze, wink

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Examples of drowse in a Sentence

Verb

 picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

Noun

 was just falling into a drowse when you called

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 The wealthy suburb of Phoenix drowses in the heat of the Sonoran Desert, sprinkled with luxury resorts catering to snowbirds in what Arizonans call the Valley of the Sun. — Lynette Rice, EW.com, "The tragic, unsolved murder of Hogan's Heroes star Bob Crane," 26 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'drowse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of drowse

Verb

1573, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1796, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for drowse

Verb

probably akin to Goth driusan to fall — more at dreary

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More Definitions for drowse

drowse

verb
How to pronounce drowse (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of drowse

: to sleep lightly or to almost be asleep

See the full definition for drowse in the English Language Learners Dictionary

drowse

verb
\ ˈdrau̇z How to pronounce drowse (audio) \
drowsed; drowsing

Kids Definition of drowse

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to sleep lightly

drowse

noun

Kids Definition of drowse (Entry 2 of 2)

: a light sleep : doze

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More from Merriam-Webster on drowse

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with drowse

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for drowse

Spanish Central: Translation of drowse

Nglish: Translation of drowse for Spanish Speakers

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