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

This is a month of awakening and transformation in your love life, Capricorn. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 July 2025

Both eras were sparked by a period of economic prowess that led to a cultural identity awakening and finally, a global expression of local culture. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025

And the midnight sun seems to be taking an afternoon nap with no chance of awakening, blocked by a thick layer of clouds. —Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025

This can lead to more frequent awakenings, shallower sleep and worsened airway instability, resulting in more apnea events. —Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing awakening

• rude awakening

Rhymes for awakening

• reawakening
• wakening