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.

---

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

---

hibernation Cultural  

1. Passing the winter in a sleeping or inactive condition. Bears, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and several other kinds of animals hibernate.

---

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

The humble tomato, beloved by many yet scorned by some, slowly awakens from hibernation, reminding us that warm weather, spent indulging in fresh salads and produce-filled sandwiches, is almost here.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Rescue centres said with winters getting "wetter and wetter" and summers getting warmer, fewer hedgehogs were having a full hibernation, leading to health issues and unfamiliar feeding patterns.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

“The last thing we want to do is kill all the Nightbeast’s cucos. It’ll be much harder to find it before it leaves hibernation if we do.”

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance