hibernate

[ hahy-ber-neyt ]

verb (used without object)

, hi·ber·nat·ed, hi·ber·nat·ing.

1. Zoology. to spend the winter in close quarters in a dormant condition, as bears and certain other animals. Compare estivate ( def 2 ).
2. to withdraw or be in seclusion; retire.
3. to winter in a place with a milder climate:

   Each winter finds us hibernating in Florida.

hibernate

/ ˈhaɪbəˌneɪt /

verb

1. (of some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) to pass the winter in a dormant condition with metabolism greatly slowed down Compare aestivate
2. to cease from activity

Derived Forms

• ˈhiberˌnator, noun
• ˌhiberˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• hi·ber·na·tion [hahy-ber-, ney, -sh, uh, n], noun
• hi·ber·na·tor noun
• post·hi·ber·na·tion adjective
• sem·i·hi·ber·na·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibernate¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, hibernate is from the Latin word hībernātus (past participle of hībernāre to spend the winter). See hibernal, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibernate¹

C19: from Latin hībernāre to spend the winter, from hībernus of winter, from hiems winter

Example Sentences

Yellow-bellied marmots hibernate for most of the year, but they become active between April and September.

From Salon

In order to endure the years-long trip, the crew needs to “hibernate” in three-month-long chunks, their sleep aided by heavy doses of drugs, which cause disorientation and confusion every time they wake up to perform some task.

From Los Angeles Times

The only catch is that Sparkle’s younger and older selves must trade off every week, agreeing to hibernate while the other one goes out on the town.

From New York Times

Ticks can withstand the heat but tend to almost hibernate when it’s a dry summer.

From Seattle Times

They hibernate for up to nine months each year and are most active from March to June and September to October.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hole up