hibernation

American  

[hahy-ber-ney-shuhn] / ˌhaɪ bərˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a state of winter dormancy in some animals, in which normal annual rhythms slow the heart, breathing, and metabolic rates to a minimum, and the animal sleeps deeply in protective quarters.

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hibernation Scientific  

/ hī′bər-nā′shən /

1. An inactive state resembling deep sleep in which certain animals living in cold climates pass the winter. In hibernation, the body temperature is lowered and breathing and heart rates slow down. Hibernation protects the animal from cold and reduces the need for food during the season when food is scarce.

2. Compare estivation

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hibernation Cultural  

1. Passing the winter in a sleeping or inactive condition. Bears, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and several other kinds of animals hibernate.

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Etymology

Origin of hibernation

First recorded in 1680–90; hibernat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Explanation

Hibernation is a type of deep sleep some animals (like bears) go into during winter. Hibernation is like a long nap. Have you ever wanted to skip from fall to spring? Some animals do just that by hibernating, which is a sleep-like state during which their metabolism slows and they conserve energy. Animals who hibernate do nothing: hibernation is a time of rest and inactivity, almost like a coma. People also use this word for other types of inactivity. For example, you could talk about the hibernation of an athlete who has taken a year off from competition.

Example Sentences

This year forecasts for nuts and other food are better, but as the animals have emerged from winter hibernation there have also been record numbers of sightings, according to local media.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Trust me when I say that this pasta is the perfect meal to end a dreary, months-long hibernation and welcome spring with open arms.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Typically, the invasive mosquitoes go into a type of hibernation every year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

Rescue centres said with winters getting "wetter and wetter" and summers getting warmer, fewer hedgehogs were having a full hibernation, leading to health issues and unfamiliar feeding patterns.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Like a thing being called out of long hibernation.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance