hibernate

verb

hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 

hibernated; hibernating

intransitive verb

1

: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state

bears hibernating in their dens

2

: to be or become inactive or dormant

let the computer hibernate

hibernation

ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən 

noun

hibernator

ˈhī-bər-ˌnā-tər 

noun

Examples of hibernate in a Sentence

bears hibernating in their dens

Recent Examples on the Web

If your grill has been hibernating for a few months, start with a deep clean using a wire-free brush and vinegar. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 May 2026

The five bears established dens, hibernated through the winter and emerged in the spring, the release said. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026

Groundhogs are most active in spring and summer but spend their winters underground hibernating. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

As the creatures head out in search of food and are no longer hibernating, the organization issued a warning following recent attacks. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin hibernatus, past participle of hibernare to pass the winter, from hibernus of winter; akin to Latin hiems winter, Greek cheimōn

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hibernate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

hibernate

verb

hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 

hibernated; hibernating

: to pass the winter in a sleeping or resting state

hibernation

ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən 

noun

hibernator

ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt-ər 

noun

Medical Definition

hibernate

intransitive verb

hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 

hibernated; hibernating

: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state

especially : to pass the winter in a torpid condition in which the body temperature drops to a little above freezing and metabolic activity is reduced nearly to zero compare estivate

hibernation

ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən 

noun

hibernator

ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt-ər 

noun