dormant

adjective

dor·​mant ˈdȯr-mənt 

1

heraldry : represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws

2

: marked by a suspension of activity: such as

a

: temporarily devoid of external activity

a dormant volcano

b

: temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated

seeds will remain dormant until spring

reawaken her dormant emotions

3

a

: asleep, inactive

dormant creatures

b

: having the faculties suspended : sluggish

c

: having biological activity suspended: such as

(1)

: being in a state of suspended animation

(2)

botany : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment

—used of plant parts

4

: associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy

dormant grafting

Synonyms of dormant

• sleeping
• asleep
• resting
• at rest

Choose the Right Synonym for dormant

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence.

latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Examples of dormant in a Sentence

The seeds will remain dormant until the spring.

Her emotions have lain dormant for many years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even children vaccinated for varicella, such as those in the United States since 1995, still have dormant virus in their neurons, since the vaccine uses a live but weakened strain. — Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

The prevailing theory is that Icelandic winters are notoriously variable, which wreaks havoc on the dormant phase of Arctic mosquitoes’ life cycle, killing eggs in unpredictable freezes and thaws. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2026

Installed in the long-dormant Barrio Logan tasting room formerly operated by defunct Iron Fist Brewing, his business features colorful interiors, plant life galore and arcade games. — Brandon Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Consider applying an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil after pruning to smother scale and insect eggs to the dormant roses. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, fixed, stationary, from Anglo-French, from present participle of dormir to sleep, from Latin dormire; akin to Sanskrit drāti he sleeps

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dormant

• formant
• informant

Kids Definition

dormant

adjective

dor·​mant ˈdȯr-mənt 

1

: not active but capable of becoming active

a dormant volcano

2

a

: sleeping or appearing to be asleep : sluggish

b

: having growth or other biological activity much reduced or suspended

a dormant bud

3

: of, relating to, or used during a period of no or greatly reduced activity or growth

a dormant spray for fruit trees