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 their native East Asian habitats, the insects hibernate through the winter in the nooks and crannies of natural structures like cliffs, Liesch.
—
Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for hibernate 
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Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for hibernate
Articles Related to hibernate
Dictionary Entries Near hibernate
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibernate. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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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