adj

drowsy

DROW-zee

Drowsy (adj) means Sleepy or heavy-eyed; ready to fall asleep. Example: “The medicine made her feel drowsy.”

adj

Sleepy or heavy-eyed; ready to fall asleep.

"The medicine made her feel drowsy."

"A warm, drowsy afternoon settled over the village."

How to use drowsy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFeeling sleepy or half-asleep, often from tiredness or medication.

Common pairings

feel drowsy drowsy eyes drowsy afternoon

Word forms

drowsier comparative, drowsiest superlative

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The medicine made her feel _____.

Etymology

Related to an old English word for drooping or becoming sluggish — the same idea behind feeling "heavy" with sleep.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “drowsy” mean?

The word “drowsy” means sleepy or heavy-eyed; ready to fall asleep. In plain terms, feeling sleepy or half-asleep, often from tiredness or medication.

How do you pronounce “drowsy”?

“Drowsy” is pronounced DROW-zee (/ˈdɹaʊzi/ in IPA).

How do you use “drowsy” in a sentence?

Here is “drowsy” used in a sentence: “The medicine made her feel drowsy.”

What part of speech is “drowsy”?

“Drowsy” is an adjective.

Where does the word “drowsy” come from?

The word “drowsy” comes from Old English. Related to an old English word for drooping or becoming sluggish — the same idea behind feeling "heavy" with sleep.