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

I hope that by the time Munich comes around next year, Western leaders will have been roused from their state of hibernation and are building a new architecture of global freedom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Read next: The Fed has gone into hibernation.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025

Some will double their weight to prepare for wintertime hibernation, often scavenging for calories for up to 20 hours per day.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

When the alpine climate eventually cooled, the species developed survival strategies such as hibernation.

From Science Daily • Nov. 15, 2025

I had not despised my life of the past two years, but I began to realize that it had been a time of hibernation, for I felt stirrings I had almost forgotten.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance