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somniloquy

somniloquy

9.9
To talk while you sleep without knowing it
  • noun
  • /sɑːmˈnɪləkwɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : somniloquio
  • His somniloquy kept his roommate awake throughout the night.

Examples

  • She recorded her somniloquy to learn if she revealed any secrets while asleep.

  • Episodes of somniloquy are often harmless but can be surprising to family members.

  • His somniloquy often keeps me awake at night.

  • The doctor explained that somniloquy is common in children.

  • Maria was confused when she heard her brother's somniloquy in the middle of the night.

  • Doctors say that somniloquy is a normal occurrence and usually requires no treatment.

  • During his somniloquy, he often spoke about his childhood adventures.

Synonyms

sleep talking
vssomniloquy
1 3.8

Saying words out loud while you are not awake and without knowing it

is a general description of the habitual act without noting awareness
somniloquism
vssomniloquy
  • Specialized
9.9

Talking in your sleep without knowing it

is the alternative noun form ending with y

Surface Forms

somniloquy singular
somniloquies plural

Morphology

somniloquy = somni + loquy

The word is a learned formation from Latin combining forms 'somni-' (sleep) and '-loquy' (speak) that are unfamiliar and non‑productive for typical learners, so the meaning is not transparently derived from known English base words.

Etymology

Somniloquy comes from the Latin parts somni- ('sleep') and -loquy ('speak'), so it literally means 'sleep-speak' and is used for talking while asleep.