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

Studies have shown doing so boosts sleep quality, resulting in a longer sleep time and limited awakenings. —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 6 Mar. 2026

These are all stages of awakening in which the subject is able to chart her evolution and map out a vision for the future that will guide her in her life’s work. —Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026

Perhaps Ethan's return, as well as their sister Lulu's awakening from a years-long coma in 2024 (now portrayed by Alexa Havins Bruening), will inspire Jackson to make another visit for a Spencer family reunion! —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026

Climbing Temperatures May Hamper Good Sleep Research shows that higher nighttime temperatures are linked to shorter sleep duration, more frequent awakenings, and less time spent in deep and REM sleep — the sleep stages most important for memory, mood regulation, and physical recovery. —Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing awakening

• rude awakening

Rhymes for awakening

• reawakening
• wakening