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. )

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

In extreme conditions such as droughts, famines or freezing temperatures, animals activate resilience programs like hibernation instead of investing energy in reproduction.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026

It turns out that hibernation season is a great time to get some work done.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Read next: The Fed has gone into hibernation.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025

“Early spring is Emmett’s favorite bear season — they’re just coming out of hibernation, so they’re more irritable.”

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance