hibernate

verb

hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 

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

ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən 

noun

hibernator

ˈhī-bər-ˌnā-tər 

noun

Examples of hibernate in a Sentence

bears hibernating in their dens

Recent Examples on the Web

Stay clear of caves and hibernating animals Game and Fish recommends people don't go into caves because there could be hibernating animals in them. —Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024

Unlike species armed with thick fur coats or capable of hibernating through the worst of the cold, humans were particularly vulnerable. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024

However, the group inadvertently awakes hundreds if not thousands of hibernating Xenomorphs who instantly spring into attack mode, making Navarro their first victim. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

These simple shelters provide winter habitat for hibernating insects and they can be easily made with old garden debris and a bit of twine. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

hibernate

verb

hi·​ber·​nate ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 

hibernated; hibernating

: to pass the winter in a sleeping or resting state

hibernation

ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən 

noun

hibernator

ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt-ər 

noun

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

hibernation

ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən 

noun

hibernator

ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt-ər 

noun