hibernate
verb
hi·ber·nate
ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt 
hibernated; hibernating
1
: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
bears hibernating in their dens
2
: to be or become inactive or dormant
let the computer hibernate
Examples of hibernate in a Sentence
bears hibernating in their dens
Recent Examples on the Web
After two weeks of hot, dry weather, the hydrangea may hibernate.
—
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 20 May 2024
Scientists aren’t entirely sure where bats went to hibernate before artificial caves started appearing in the 1900s, says Oliver Kalda, a bat researcher with the University of Tartu.
—Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hibernate 
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 20 May 2024
Scientists aren’t entirely sure where bats went to hibernate before artificial caves started appearing in the 1900s, says Oliver Kalda, a bat researcher with the University of Tartu.
—Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hibernate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hibernate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibernate. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hibernate
verb
hi·ber·nate
ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt
hibernated; hibernating
: to pass the winter in a sleeping or resting state
Medical Definition
hibernate
intransitive verb
hi·ber·nate
ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt
hibernated; hibernating
: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
especially
: to pass the winter in a torpid condition in which the body temperature drops to a little above freezing and metabolic activity is reduced nearly to zero compare estivate
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