overwinter

[ oh-ver-win-ter ]

verb (used without object)

1. to pass, spend, or survive the winter:

   to overwinter on the Riviera.

overwinter

/ ˌəʊvəˈwɪntə /

verb

1. intr to spend winter (in or at a particular place)
2. tr to keep (animals or plants) alive through the winter
3. intr (of an animal or plant) to remain alive throughout the winter

Word History and Origins

Origin of overwinter¹

First recorded in 1890–95; over- + winter, replacing Old English oferwintran “to get through the winter,” which had become obsolete by the end of the Old English period (around 1150), and modeled on Norwegian and Danish overvintre, Swedish övervintra, Dutch overwinteren, or German überwintern

Example Sentences

When it’s chilly, they chill out to conserve energy — going into a type of insect hibernation called overwintering, Gonzalez said.

From Los Angeles Times

"The DNA analysis has now proved they are overwintering - they could get really established here," Ms Ingram said.

From BBC

But for overwintering pollinators, leaf litter and dead branches are shelter and nesting sites.

From Seattle Times

Some of the refuge is only open from March 1 to September 30, to protect overwintering waterfowl.

From Seattle Times

This gives any beneficial insects overwintering in the hollow stems time to emerge and find a summer home.

From Seattle Times