hibernate

[hahy-ber-neyt]

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• hibernation noun
• hibernator noun
• posthibernation adjective
• semihibernation 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

Rats do not hibernate, so when exposed to the cold, it can kill them outright or result in them producing fewer pups, as baby rats are known – which in turn slows population growth.

From BBC

"We know they come here to mate, to hibernate, but what we don't know is why they make this journey."

From BBC

Though fence lizards don’t hibernate, they become sluggish in winter, which is why these days, warmed by the sun and driven by the urge to mate, they’re once more appearing all over.

From Los Angeles Times

The mechanisms animals use to hibernate or slow their metabolism during unfavorable seasonal conditions are similar to those used by resurrecting creatures, who are just rather more extreme about it.

From Salon

My default seems to be crawling into myself and hibernating with warm, soft-baked Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies with a glass of oat milk.

From Salon

Related Words

• hole up