What does snooze mean?
“Snooze” is an informal word for a brief, light sleep or doze, as in waking briefly and then snoozing again when an alarm sounds. It can also mean to postpone an action or decision, often with the implication of delay: a person may snooze a reply or put off making a choice. The word is common in casual speech and familiar expressions such as “hit the snooze button,” especially in the context of waking up. Although it can describe any short sleep, it often conveys a temporary or half-awake state. The word is especially associated with modern alarm use and carries a humorous, relatable tone because it captures the familiar temptation to delay beginning the day.
To sleep or doze lightly for a short time; informally, to postpone or delay something.
"He snoozed the alarm and went back to sleep."
Informal. The delay sense often implies that something has been deferred rather than completed.
A short, light sleep or doze; informally, a postponement or delay.
"After one more snooze, she reluctantly got up."
Informal. In the delay sense, “a snooze” usually refers to a short postponement of an activity or decision.
The plural “snoozes” is used for separate brief sleeps or informal postponements.
"He took a couple of snoozes before getting out of bed."
A snooze may be the shortest route between an alarm and a much bigger day.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snooze come from?
The word “snooze” is an English word of uncertain origin. It developed by the 18th century in senses connected with sleeping or dozing, and its modern use in connection with alarm buttons is much later. Its relationship to similar forms in other languages is not certain enough to identify a specific cognate.
Related word forms
How snooze is actually used
In its sleep sense, “snooze” is informal and usually refers to a short or light sleep. In its postponement sense, it is informal and often implies postponing something that should have been dealt with promptly.
Easily confused with snooze
A snooze is a brief period of light sleep, whereas a snore is the sound some people make while breathing during sleep.