hibernate
verb
hi·ber·nate
ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 
hibernated; hibernating
1
: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
bears hibernating in their dens
2
: to be or become inactive or dormant
let the computer hibernate
Examples of hibernate in a Sentence
bears hibernating in their dens
Recent Examples on the Web
But with the deepest part of winter upon us, not all bears are hibernating.
—
Damon Arthur, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
But at a Memorial Day cookout, I was reminded of the joys of pre-roasted green chiles that can hibernate in your freezer, then reemerge as incredible snacks and toppings.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 June 2025
Cold Temperatures for an Insect Like hibernating bears, many insects slow their bodily processes during the tough winter months.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2025
After hibernating for several months, the den's snakes are starting to emerge to shed their skins and soak up the sun.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
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Damon Arthur, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
But at a Memorial Day cookout, I was reminded of the joys of pre-roasted green chiles that can hibernate in your freezer, then reemerge as incredible snacks and toppings.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 June 2025
Cold Temperatures for an Insect Like hibernating bears, many insects slow their bodily processes during the tough winter months.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2025
After hibernating for several months, the den's snakes are starting to emerge to shed their skins and soak up the sun.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibernate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hibernate
verb
hi·ber·nate
ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt
hibernated; hibernating
: to pass the winter in a sleeping or resting state
Medical Definition
hibernate
intransitive verb
hi·ber·nate
ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt
hibernated; hibernating
: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
especially
: to pass the winter in a torpid condition in which the body temperature drops to a little above freezing and metabolic activity is reduced nearly to zero compare estivate
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