dormancy

noun

dor·​man·​cy ˈdȯr-mən(t)-sē 

: the quality or state of being dormant

Synonyms

• abeyance
• cold storage
• deep freeze
• doldrums
• holding pattern
• latency
• moratorium
• quiescence
• suspended animation
• suspense
• suspension

Examples of dormancy in a Sentence

some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy

a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action

Recent Examples on the Web

With the arrival of spring sunshine, houseplants begin to wake up from their winter dormancy, which is the perfect time to give them a refresh. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025

Temperatures warm and vegetation begins to bloom from winter dormancy and starts pulling moisture out of the ground. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025

When the temperature consistently drops below 60 degrees in the fall and winter, rattlesnakes enter a dormancy period known as brumation, according to wildlife control company Critter Control. —Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 15 Feb. 2025

According to McEnaney, they were brought into a cooler months ago to force an early dormancy. —Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dormancy

noun

dor·​man·​cy ˈdȯr-mən-sē 

: the quality or state of being dormant