doze

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'doze' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as either a verb or a noun. For example, "The cat dozed in the sun after a long day of playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We hired a sailing dinghy for an hour or two, shrieking and screaming at each other, and then pulled the launch on to a beach to doze for a while.

The Guardian - Travel

I get back Wednesdays about five o'clock, get home and then I doze in the chair watching bits and pieces on TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His first true idea of how desperate the night had been came at dawn, when his doze was interrupted by shouting.

The Guardian

Mr Patch would try to sleep on the firing-step of the trench: "You could have a doze.

The Economist

We used to serve 24 hours on five-minute alert, fully dressed and forbidden (officially) even to doze.

The Economist

Editor's noteHIGH above the Pacific, passengers doze on a long flight from Asia to America.

The Economist

Will the fourth awakening peter out into another doze?

The Economist

Office workers try, often in vain, not to doze off at their desks after arduous, sweaty journeys.

The Economist

Its crime is to have passed an ordinance banning a treasured southern practice: assigning to the porch a decrepit couch or recliner on which to doze in a cooling breeze or watch the world go by.The Wilson city fathers think the battered old armchairs and sofas make the place look a mess, and prefer smart furniture made for the purpose.

The Economist

This powerful brew, by no means everyone's goblet of mead, is served up in a gloomy (albeit acoustically peerless) festival theatre with seats hard enough to preclude a doze by even the least committed Wagnerite.These strains on ears and rumps remain.

The Economist

In contrast to others in the public and jury box, who fidget or doze while listening to often mind-numbing financial terms and data, she observes from the public pews in a similar manner to Mr Tourre.Any misunderstanding of the deal, Mr Tourre testified, was unintentional.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doze" to describe a light and brief sleep, often taken during the day. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "doze" when referring to a deep or prolonged sleep. Opt for words like "sleep" or "slumber" in those cases to accurately convey the depth and duration of the rest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "doze" is to act as both a verb, describing the action of sleeping lightly, and as a noun, referring to the state of light sleep itself. As shown by Ludwig examples, it commonly appears in contexts describing relaxation or unintended sleep.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "doze" is a versatile term, functioning as both a verb and a noun to describe light, brief sleep. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent appearance in news and encyclopedia sources highlights its widespread and acceptable usage. When writing, consider alternatives like "nap" or "snooze" for variety, but ensure "doze" isn't used in place of deeper sleep terms. Remember, "doze" perfectly describes that state between wakefulness and sleep, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nap

A short sleep, often taken during the day.

snooze

To sleep lightly or briefly, often used informally.

drowse

To be in a sleepy state, between waking and sleeping.

slumber

A light or peaceful sleep.

catnap

A very short, light sleep.

nod off

To fall asleep briefly and unintentionally.

drift off

To gradually fall asleep.

rest

To cease activity for relaxation; broader term.

light sleep

A sleep phase where the person is easily awakened.

catch some z's

An informal way to say "sleep".

FAQs

How can I use "doze" in a sentence?

You can use "doze" as a verb, such as "The cat likes to "doze in the sun"", or as a noun, like "I had a pleasant "short nap"".

What are some alternatives to "doze"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "nap", "snooze", or "drowse".

What's the difference between "doze" and "sleep"?

"Doze" refers to a light, brief sleep, while "sleep" generally implies a longer and deeper period of rest. For example, you might "doze off" during a movie, but you "sleep" through the night.

Is it correct to say "doze off" or is it better to say "fall asleep"?

Both are correct, but "doze off" implies a lighter, less intentional sleep. "Fall asleep" is a more general term for beginning to sleep, whether intentionally or not.