awakening

noun

awak·​en·​ing ə-ˈwāk-niŋ 

ə-ˈwā-kə-

plural awakenings

1

: a rousing from sleep

The night terror is an abrupt awakening early in the night, most often within the first hour or two of sleep …

—Franklin Galvin et al.

2

a

: a rousing from inactivity or indifference

… one of the primary branches of yoga … prescribes various practices to assist the yogi in the gradual awakening of the heart.

—James Bailey

b

: a revival of interest in something (such as religion)

Russian Jews themselves experienced a cultural and political awakening after Israel's victory, some openly challenging their government's ban on religious and Hebrew training.

—Jonathan D. Sarna

3

: a coming into awareness

Like his discovery of literature, this intimacy becomes an awakening to the possibilities of life.

—Morris Dickstein

Examples of awakening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The series depicts the anguish of an interrupted boyhood and the awakening of a child’s conscience as their safest spaces erode. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026

The most effective awakening leaders will not use AI as a substitute for their consciousness, decision-making, feelings and felt experiences. — Catherine Bell, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Peace Pilgrim Walks 25,000 Miles for Peace After years of meditation and spiritual practice, Mildred Lisette Norman experienced a spiritual awakening. — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026

But that doesn’t mean the bonds and awakenings that have been sown won’t grow in their own ways, whether in terms of enduring perceptions or travels to or from here to other nations or inspiring future leaders. — Vahe Gregorian july 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing awakening

• rude awakening

Rhymes for awakening

• reawakening
• wakening