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
Clusters of genes found in humans match those that hibernating animals like mice use to power down during lean times, a new study has found.
—
Saul Elbein, The Hill, 31 July 2025
This the conclusion of research from University of Utah that suggests hibernating animals' superpowers could lie dormant within our own DNA and could potentially be unlocked to improve our health.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Visiting scientists later uncovered the hibernating animal — and discovered a new species.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Contrary to popular myth, teachers do not hibernate in the summer.
—Michael Maguire, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
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Saul Elbein, The Hill, 31 July 2025
This the conclusion of research from University of Utah that suggests hibernating animals' superpowers could lie dormant within our own DNA and could potentially be unlocked to improve our health.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Visiting scientists later uncovered the hibernating animal — and discovered a new species.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Contrary to popular myth, teachers do not hibernate in the summer.
—Michael Maguire, Boston Herald, 12 July 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 15 Aug. 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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