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

Japan confirmed Friday the first fatal bear attack of 2026 after a record 13 deaths last year, with reports pointing to a jump in sightings as the animals emerge hungry from hibernation.

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

As rising temperatures are shifting natural plant cycles, species that synchronise their migration or hibernation can be left without the flowers and plants they rely on – a phenomenon known as ecological mismatch.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

However, Kluh said she theorizes the Aedes aegypti might not have completely gone into hibernation during the winter and were ready to pounce at the first sign of warm temperatures.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

There had to be at least a hundred annotations, about the Nightbeast’s diet, its preferred season for hibernation, even its favorite snack.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance