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

These field exposure estimates informed subsequent studies on the impact of such exposure on hibernating bumble bee queens and the hoary squash bee, a solitary ground-nesting species.

From Science Daily

The fungus invades the skin tissue of hibernating bats and causes them to wake too often or too early during winter, depleting their precious fat stores when there’s scant food.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

"Minimizing disturbance to bats when they are hibernating or raising young is critical," Loeb said.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• hole up