hibernate

American  

[hahy-ber-neyt] / ˈhaɪ bərˌneɪt /

verb (used without object)

hibernated, hibernating

1. Zoology. to spend the winter in close quarters in a dormant condition, as bears and certain other animals.

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.

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hibernate British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• hibernation noun
• hibernator noun
• posthibernation adjective
• semihibernation noun

Etymology

Origin of hibernate

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

Example Sentences

Leaving food out was the biggest factor, but the experts say providing wildlife friendly features is essential too as hedgehogs struggle to find space to hibernate and breed.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

It’s a time to hibernate, rest and nourish yourself in preparation for the year of parties ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that, after infecting a person, tend to hibernate in the body.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2025

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

From Salon • Oct. 23, 2024

He looked as though he’d just been about to hibernate, his body plump with food storage, and the chair groaned nervously beneath him.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• hole up