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

Jacir’s story of resistance is also one of capital and class, embodied most clearly in farmer’s son Yusuf, who moves between two worlds and faces a dilemma of growing urgency, his innocence and awakening eloquently expressed in Anaya’s performance. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025

For journalist, author, and advocate Elaine Welteroth, becoming a mom has been a profound awakening. —Adrienne Farr, Parents, 24 Nov. 2025

But when seen in the context of mysticism, these alternate states of consciousness may be framed as transcendental awakenings, or even as communications with the divine. —Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025

The windows are meant to unfold like the chapters in a book, with Philo awakening from a deep sleep and bringing Solomeo back to life, with craftspeople working once again and people living in harmony with nature and the seasons. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing awakening

• rude awakening

Rhymes for awakening

• reawakening
• wakening