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
If the groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernating in its burrow, it’s supposed to predict six more weeks of winter.
—
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Similarly, the heart rate of a hibernating groundhog slows from about 80 beats per minute to just five, while breathing slows from around 16 breaths per minute to as few as two, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
The vast majority of people infected with TB have a latent form of the bacteria, mycobacterium tuberculosis, which remains dormant and non-transmissible — sometimes a hibernating infection can lie dormant for decades.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Last year, according to the Johnson County Daily Journal, a hibernating Hope wouldn't open her eyes during the ceremony.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
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Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Similarly, the heart rate of a hibernating groundhog slows from about 80 beats per minute to just five, while breathing slows from around 16 breaths per minute to as few as two, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
The vast majority of people infected with TB have a latent form of the bacteria, mycobacterium tuberculosis, which remains dormant and non-transmissible — sometimes a hibernating infection can lie dormant for decades.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Last year, according to the Johnson County Daily Journal, a hibernating Hope wouldn't open her eyes during the ceremony.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibernate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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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