have a sleepover

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a sleepover" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're suggesting that a small group of people sleep together at one place for a night. For example, "Let's have a sleepover this weekend so we can catch up with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have a sleepover 36.

Independent

Why have a sleepover that lasts one night when you could have a sleepover that lasts three, or a week?

The New Yorker

I told him I'd rather not have a sleepover.

The New Yorker

Why have a playdate when you could have a sleepover?

The New Yorker

So they're going to have a sleepover at someone's house".

The New York Times

But this child has never had, or wanted to have, a sleepover at another friend or relative's house.

The New York Times

They like sleeping in front of the TV, probably like you all do when you have a sleepover".

The New York Times

"Fine, have a sleepover with as many people as you want," I said craftily, picturing it in my mind.

The New York Times

Bridger wound the window down and spoke to her. "He offered me to have a sleepover with his daughter".

The Guardian

Devin kills a gigantic spider, Doug and John have a sleepover, and Peter goes to Japan.

TechCrunch

Have a sleepover at home, camping-style.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "have a sleepover", ensure the context clarifies who is hosting and who is attending to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "My daughter wants to have a sleepover with her friends".

Common error

Avoid using "have a sleepover" when referring to a brief nap or short visit. The phrase implies an overnight stay with a social element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a sleepover" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of hosting or participating in an overnight social gathering. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests a small group of people sleeping together at one place for a night.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

43%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a sleepover" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a social event where people stay overnight at a location. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's best used to suggest that a small group of people sleep together at one place for a night. Usage is most prevalent in informal contexts like WikiHow and News & Media. When using this phrase, be clear about who is hosting and attending to avoid ambiguity, and avoid using it for short naps or visits. Alternatives such as "host a slumber party" or "organize a sleepover" can provide slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a slumber party

Synonymous with "have a sleepover", often used interchangeably.

host a slumber party

Focuses on the act of organizing and hosting the sleepover.

organize a sleepover

Highlights the planning and coordination aspect of the event.

throw a pajama party

Emphasizes the fun and informal nature of the gathering, often associated with younger audiences.

have an overnight gathering

Broader term that includes any type of gathering that lasts overnight.

spend the night at someone's house

Shifts the focus to the location and activity of staying overnight.

attend a sleepover

Focuses on the act of being a guest at a sleepover.

enjoy an overnight visit

Implies a more formal and planned overnight stay.

have an all-nighter

Refers to staying up all night, often for studying or entertainment, and might involve sleeping at the same place.

camp out indoors

Suggests a sleepover with a camping theme, typically inside a home.

FAQs

What activities are typically done during a "have a sleepover"?

Common activities during a "have a sleepover" include watching movies, playing games, telling stories, eating snacks, and generally socializing throughout the night.

How do I ask someone if they want to "have a sleepover"?

You can ask by saying something like, "Would you like to "have a sleepover" at my house this weekend?" or "I'm planning a "slumber party", would you like to come?"

Is "have a sleepover" only for kids?

No, while often associated with children and teenagers, adults can also "have a sleepover". It simply means spending the night at someone's place with a social purpose.

What should I bring to "have a sleepover"?

Typically, you should bring pajamas, a toothbrush, any personal care items, and perhaps a sleeping bag or pillow. You might also bring a game or movie to share.