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# rough sleeper

phrase (noun phrase; a rough sleeper, rough sleepers; verb: sleep rough, sleeping rough)

«rough sleeper» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, official, UK) a homeless person who sleeps outside in the street, in doorways or parks.
2. (humorous, rare) someone who sleeps badly or moves a lot in bed.

### In the lessons

Used by UK councils, charities and the news as a neutral, respectful term instead of "tramp" or "homeless person"; official, UK and Ireland, also Australia.

### Examples

- The charity gives hot meals to rough sleepers.
- The council counted forty rough sleepers in the city.
- In winter, shelters open for rough sleepers.
- We donated sleeping bags for rough sleepers.
- He was a rough sleeper for two years before he found a flat.
- Our class collected socks for rough sleepers.

### Note

Not a person who just had a bad night's sleep (except in a joke). "Sleep rough" means sleep outside. In maths problems rough sleepers may be counted and compared over time.