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

The Sleeping Giant of a football program has been hibernating for so long that no one can be certain it’s still hibernating.

From Los Angeles Times

Those offspring hibernate over winter as larvae - caterpillars - in a communal silken web called a hibernaculum.

From BBC

With such an abundant year-round supply of snacks there’s a risk that bears could skip hibernating altogether if they become reliant on human food sources, the department said.

From Los Angeles Times

In this intimate portion of the book, we receive glimpses of two passionate artists hibernating, in love.

From Los Angeles Times

Attacks by bears tend to surge in autumn before bears hibernate, with experts saying low yields of beech nuts because of climate change could be driving hungry animals into residential areas.

From BBC

Related Words

• hole up