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
hi·ber·na·tion
ˌhībə(r)ˈnāshən
plural -s
1
: the act of hibernating
a new concept of the relation between food and hibernation of the black bear—
R. E. Trippensee
R. E. Trippensee2
: the state of one that hibernates
came out of his comfortable hibernation to make his first political pronouncement since his retirement—Time
—opposed to estivation
TimeExamples of hibernate in a Sentence
Verb
bears hibernating in their dens
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
As the creatures head out in search of food and are no longer hibernating, the organization issued a warning following recent attacks.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
If your grill has been hibernating for a few months, start with a deep clean using a wire-free brush and vinegar.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Schlosstein pictured hosting dinner parties in the dining room and lounging with her dog, Milo, on the terrace, as well as working from the office and hibernating in the library.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
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Verb
The five bears established dens, hibernated through the winter and emerged in the spring, the release said.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
As the creatures head out in search of food and are no longer hibernating, the organization issued a warning following recent attacks.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
If your grill has been hibernating for a few months, start with a deep clean using a wire-free brush and vinegar.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Schlosstein pictured hosting dinner parties in the dining room and lounging with her dog, Milo, on the terrace, as well as working from the office and hibernating in the library.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 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 25 Jun. 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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