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

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

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 • Sep. 25, 2025

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

We had been worked so hard and fed so little all our bodies wanted to do was hibernate, like bears.

From "Prisoner B-3087" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• hole up