hibernate

verb

hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt How to pronounce hibernate (audio)
hibernated; hibernating

intransitive verb

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
hibernation noun
hibernator noun

Examples of hibernate in a Sentence

bears hibernating in their dens
Recent Examples on the Web But the teams that will move for him are playing the Bears — who are hibernating between a rock and hard place — like a Stradivarius. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 These North American amphibians, which spend most of their time hibernating underground, dislike being threatened. Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2024 Birds While most birds hibernate in a warmer place, those that stick around also survive the cold by gaining as much fat as possible. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 19 Jan. 2024 The body's response to hibernating and not adapting well to it could have caused these conditions. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 After fattening up in the warmer seasons, groundhogs spend nearly three months – or 150 days – hibernating without eating a single thing. USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2024 Researchers examined the bones and found evidence that early humans might have hibernated because of the bone damage seen on the fossils. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 While hibernating, a groundhog's body temperature can drop from about 99 degrees Fahrenheit to as low as 37 degrees, a temperature cold enough to be fatal to humans, who lose consciousness at about 82 degrees. USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2024 While amphibians hibernate, their heart rate and metabolism slow way down, freeing them from the need to chow down on food. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hibernate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin hibernatus, past participle of hibernare to pass the winter, from hibernus of winter; akin to Latin hiems winter, Greek cheimōn

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hibernate was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near hibernate

Cite this Entry

“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibernate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hibernate

verb
hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt How to pronounce hibernate (audio)
hibernated; hibernating
: to pass the winter in a sleeping or resting state
hibernation noun
hibernator noun

Medical Definition

hibernate

intransitive verb
hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt How to pronounce hibernate (audio)
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
hibernation noun
hibernator noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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