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

The Past Early humans may have hibernated—a discovery that could be the key to space travel New anthropological research suggests our ancestors enjoyed long slumbers. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

While bears may be hibernating during the colder months, other wildlife viewing is ongoing. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2024

Snow affects hibernating animals and migratory birds, drinking water and irrigation. —Daryln Brewer Hoffstot, Hartford Courant, 19 Feb. 2024

Prairie dogs do not hibernate but may stay underground in bad weather. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 2 Feb. 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