sleep-inducing insect; sleepyhead
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
sleep-inducing insect
literaryA figurative creature from classical Chinese novels/fables that causes sleepiness upon contact.
Legend has it that there is a kind of sleep-inducing insect; if it touches you, you'll fall asleep immediately.
The monster in this story released sleep-inducing insects, putting the entire village into a deep slumber.
noun
sleepyhead; person who often dozes off
informalA humorous or mildly derogatory term to describe someone who is always sleepy or falls asleep easily, especially in inappropriate situations.
Class had only been going for ten minutes, and that sleepyhead was already asleep with his head on the desk.
Don't call him a sleepyhead; he was working overtime last night and is exhausted.
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There's a famous sleepyhead in our office; you can always hear him snoring during meetings.