hibernating

verb

present participle of hibernate
as in sleeping
to be in an inactive state bears hibernating in their dens

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hibernating September and October are generally among the highest months for livestock losses to grizzlies, which are feeding heavily before hibernating for the winter. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 23 Sep. 2026 Last winter was tough for marmots living high in the Colorado mountains, where researchers say two-thirds of one population died while hibernating because of insufficient snow cover. — Brittany Peterson, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Ticks go dormant in temperatures below 40 degrees, hibernating beneath leaf litter and snow. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 As the creatures head out in search of food and are no longer hibernating, the organization issued a warning following recent attacks. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 If your grill has been hibernating for a few months, start with a deep clean using a wire-free brush and vinegar. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 Schlosstein pictured hosting dinner parties in the dining room and lounging with her dog, Milo, on the terrace, as well as working from the office and hibernating in the library. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026 Some bears spent the colder months hibernating under Lake Tahoe-area homes. — Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026 Those threats include boat strikes from propellers slicing through shells, being caught in fishing nets, shoreline development, tree removal reducing natural cover, de-icing bubblers that give otters access to hibernating turtles, and climate change. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
  1. sleeping
  2. resting
  3. lounging
  4. chilling
  5. dozing
  6. playing
Verb
  • Humans have been sleeping on some sort of mattress for 77,000 years, beginning with leaves and twigs, then innovating through other plant materials and animal hair, eventually reaching today’s many, many foam offerings.
    — Jaklin Romine Oct. 15, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The last slide of the carousel features a video of himself rocking a sleeping newborn.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sleeping
Verb
  • Jockeys maintain it with only a few toes resting on each stirrup.
    — Cameron Peters, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some of them sat at tables of four in a common area, reading, working on laptops or resting their heads.
    — Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of resting
Verb
  • At the stern, the line’s signature ocean lounge is fitted with fold-out terraces that open to create an expansive waterside area for lounging or watersports.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Your Photography by Kimberly Kalan Maison Flambeau has multiple outdoor dining and lounging spots, the most notable of which are its splash pool and sauna.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of lounging
Verb
  • This is constantly fed by high-velocity air rammed through massive side intakes, directly chilling the cooling fluid.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Let sit at least 10 minutes or cover and chill up to 8 hours (no need to bring to room temperature before cooking if chilling).
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of chilling
Verb
  • Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026
  • Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Definition of dozing
Verb
  • Each has the perspective of attending East Side schools, playing football and returning to teach and coach at the high school.
    — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The main reason the Giants have a chance to win every week, though, despite all their injuries and heart-stopping endings, is that Jameis Winston is playing well as their starting quarterback.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of playing

Browse Nearby Words

hibernates
hibernating
hibernation
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Cite this Entry

“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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