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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Monarch butterflies hibernating in the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, Mexico. Andrea J. Arratibel, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024 Be especially aware of your surroundings in these areas and give animals their space to hibernate. Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024 Do bats migrate or hibernate in the winter? Not all bats hibernate. Sarah Ann Dueñas, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Jan. 2024 However, many species of native North American bees are solitary insects that hibernate and lay eggs in the soil, hollow plant stems, tree cavities, and leaf litter. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hibernate 

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 22 Dec. 2024.

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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