somnambulist

Everyday

A person who walks in their sleep; a sleepwalker. tree →

In the lessons

A science and health word, also used in stories and older books. Sleepwalking is common in children and usually harmless; most grow out of it. Safety: gently guide a sleepwalker back to bed, keep doors and stairs safe. Writers sometimes say someone moved «like a somnambulist» — slowly, not really aware. The word comes from Latin somnus (sleep) and ambulare (to walk).

Examples

• The somnambulist walked down the stairs with her eyes open. tree →
• My cousin is a somnambulist and once woke up in the kitchen. tree →
• Doctors say you should gently lead a somnambulist back to bed. tree →
• He moved through the morning like a somnambulist. tree →
• Somnambulists don't remember walking in their sleep. tree →
• The story was about a somnambulist who walked on the roof. tree →
• Patiently she allowed herself to be lifted on the horse, and sat there like a somnambulist--as one who walked in his sleep. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Everyday word: sleepwalker. Myth: it is not dangerous to wake a sleepwalker, though they may be confused; the danger is in falling or tripping. Related: somnambulism (sleepwalking).