The phrasal verb "sleep over" is predominantly used in informal speech and is commonly employed in everyday conversations. It refers to spending the night at someone else's home, often in a social or recreational context, such as when children stay at a friend's house for a "sleepover" or adults stay overnight after a late evening gathering to avoid traveling home. It is closely associated with childhood events but is equally applicable for adults when the situation necessitates an overnight stay for convenience or safety. "Sleep over" is seldom used in formal contexts unless describing an event or phenomenon where casual language is being purposefully employed to add relatability or familiarity. Overall, it denotes a very specific action of temporary overnight accommodation away from one's own home, typically driven by social reasons.
A2
Beginner
1. To spend the night at someone else's house, typically as a guest.
I used to sleep over at my friend's house every Friday when I was a kid.
Can I sleep over at your place after the party tonight?
2. A children's event where guests stay overnight at a host's house.
The sleepover at Jenny's house was the highlight of my week.
We're hosting a sleepover for my daughter's birthday this weekend.