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 Cameras positioned inside dens have shown that hibernating bears groom themselves more frequently than once thought, in the process swallowing hair and bits of bedding such as leaves and grass that pass unaltered through the digestive tract. Steven Hill, Field & Stream, 29 Nov. 2023 Despite spending more than half the year hibernating in frigid temperatures, brown bears (Ursus arctos) remain remarkably healthy. Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 13 Apr. 2023 When fall and winter rolls around, people are inclined to hibernate, have less energy to do activities, and struggle to adapt to more cloudy and colder weather. Kiara Byrd, Essence, 2 Nov. 2023 This disease causes a fungus-like growth to spread across the bats’ noses, faces and wings while hibernating. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2023 The Fat Bear Week tournament is held as the bears attempt to fatten up in time to hibernate for winter. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2023 Loki’s evil side is a hibernating bear that, once poked, proves why Hiddleston plays such a good bad guy to begin with. David Betancourt, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2023 The week celebrates the resilience, adaptability and strength of Katmai’s brown bear population as the animals prepare to hibernate, according to the National Park Service. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 4 Oct. 2023 This charming and cozy refuge is the perfect secluded spot to enjoy a brisk autumn day and starry nights to hibernate like a true ogre would. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2023 See More

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 6 Dec. 2023.

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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