sleeper

views updated May 29 2018

sleep·er / ˈslēpər/ • n. 1. a person or animal who is asleep. ∎  a person with a specified sleep pattern: he was a light sleeper. 2. a thing used for or connected with sleeping, in particular: ∎  a train carrying sleeping cars. ∎  a sleeping car. ∎  a berth in a sleeping car. ∎  (often sleepers) one-piece coverall pajamas for a baby or small child. ∎  a sofa or chair that converts into a bed. 3. a movie, book, play, etc., that achieves sudden unexpected success. 4. Brit. a railroad tie. 5. a stocky fish (Dormitator and other genera, family Gobiidae (or Eleotridae)) with mottled coloration that occurs widely in warm seas and fresh water.

Sleeper

views updated May 23 2018

Sleeper ★★★ ½ 1973 (PG)

Hapless nerd Allen is revived two hundred years after an operation gone bad. Keaton portrays Allen's love interest in a futuristic land of robots and giant vegetables. He learns of the hitherto unknown health benefits of hot fudge sundaes; discovers the truth about the nation's dictator, known as The Leader; and gets involved with revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the government. Hilarious, fast-moving comedy, full of slapstick and satire. Don't miss the “orgasmatron.” 88m/C VHS, DVD . Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, John Beck, Mary Gregory, Don Keefer, John McLiam; D: Woody Allen; W: Marshall Brickman, Woody Allen; C: David M. Walsh; M: Woody Allen.

sleeper

views updated May 29 2018

sleeper. Any piece of timber employed to support other timbers, e.g. large horizontal beam (patand) from which the posts and studs of a timber-framed wall rise from just above ground level, or any beam under a ground-floor surface supporting the joists of a larger span.

sleeper

views updated May 17 2018

sleeper See ELEOTRIDAE.