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
In September 2023, rain followed by Tropical Storm Hilary established conditions for breeding and the subsequent insect activity in a time when the mosquitoes typically begin to hibernate.
—
Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
With bold outerwear anchoring some of the team’s best looks, the outfits below serve as a welcome reminder that personal style doesn’t have to hibernate during the winter months; dressing for February weather can be just as expressive as September when armed with the right pieces.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
You’d be forgiven for hibernating during this historically cold winter in Washington.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
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Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
With bold outerwear anchoring some of the team’s best looks, the outfits below serve as a welcome reminder that personal style doesn’t have to hibernate during the winter months; dressing for February weather can be just as expressive as September when armed with the right pieces.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
You’d be forgiven for hibernating during this historically cold winter in Washington.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 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 7 Mar. 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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