siesta: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Informal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “siesta” mean?
A short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries.
A period of rest or inactivity occurring in the middle of the day; by extension, any break or pause from activity, often connoting a relaxed, Mediterranean lifestyle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in definition. The concept is equally understood but is more frequently referenced in British English in travel and lifestyle contexts due to geographical proximity to Spain.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with warmth, leisure, and a slower pace of life. In American English, it may sometimes be used humorously or metaphorically to describe any lull in activity.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but still a mid-to-low frequency word in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “siesta” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have/take + a siesta[Subject] + is/are + having a siestaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “siesta” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The workers were siesta-ing in the shade.
- Let's siesta for an hour before the meeting.
American English
- He decided to siesta after the heavy lunch.
- The whole town seems to siesta between two and four.
adverb
British English
- The shops were closed siesta-long.
- He worked siesta-deep into the afternoon.
American English
- The town goes quiet siesta-style every day.
- They napped siesta-like on the hammocks.
adjective
British English
- They have a strict siesta policy at the resort.
- The siesta hours are clearly posted.
American English
- We observed the siesta tradition during our stay.
- The hotel offered a siesta-friendly check-out time.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in cross-cultural training or discussions about work-life balance in certain regions. 'The Madrid office closes for the siesta.'
Academic
Used in anthropological, sociological, or cultural studies texts discussing daily rhythms, siestas, and health.
Everyday
Common in travel conversations, descriptions of routines, or expressing a desire for a break. 'I'm so full, I need a siesta.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of specific research on sleep patterns or urban planning in hot climates.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “siesta”
- Using it as a verb without modification (e.g., 'I will siesta'). Correct: 'I will take a siesta.'
- Pronouncing it as /saɪˈestə/ (sigh-est-uh).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While both involve sleep, a siesta is specifically a culturally embedded afternoon rest, often after lunch, and implies a scheduled break. A nap can be any short sleep at any time due to tiredness.
The practice is changing, especially in large cities. While traditional in some areas and among older generations, modern work schedules have made the long afternoon break less common, though the concept remains a strong part of the culture.
Using 'siesta' as a verb (e.g., 'to siesta') is informal and not standard. It is best to use phrases like 'take/have a siesta' or 'go for a siesta'.
Research is mixed. Short naps (like a 20-30 minute siesta) can improve alertness and mood. However, longer naps or those taken too late in the day can interfere with night-time sleep and may be linked to certain health risks in some studies.
A short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries.
Siesta is usually formal, informal, literary in register.
Siesta: in British English it is pronounced /siˈestə/, and in American English it is pronounced /siˈestə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The land of the siesta (referring to Spain or similar cultures)”
- “Siesta time (a designated period for rest)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEE ESTA' (Spanish for 'see this') the bed at 2 PM for a SIESTA.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DAY IS A JOURNEY WITH A MIDPOINT REST STOP.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a 'siesta'?