overwinter

1 of 2

verb

over·​win·​ter ˌō-vər-ˈwin-tər 

overwintered; overwintering; overwinters

intransitive verb

: to last through or pass the winter

overwinter

2 of 2

adjective

: occurring during the period spanning the winter

Examples of overwinter in a Sentence

Verb

The geese will overwinter in a warmer climate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Removing the overwintering adults from your garden should reduce the pests significantly. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

The wintering site is considered a home base for one of California’s largest overwintering western monarch populations. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The female scale insects overwinter on the plants and begin laying eggs in late April and May. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Since tropical hibiscus can’t survive freezing temperatures, they can be grown as annuals or overwinter indoors in cold regions. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overwinter

• teleprinter
• midwinter
• reenter
• minter
• printer
• sinter
• splinter
• sprinter
• winter

Kids Definition

overwinter

verb

over·​win·​ter

-ˈwint-ər

: to spend or survive the winter

the butterfly overwinters in Mexico