C1verbnaturescience
US/ˈhaɪ.bər.neɪt/
UK/ˈhaɪ.bə.neɪt/
to sleep deeply through the cold months, as some animals do to save energy
In context
Bears hibernate in caves or hollow trees from late fall until spring.
Some frogs hibernate at the bottom of ponds, buried in the mud.
Hedgehogs that hibernate need to build up enough fat before the cold arrives.
Words that go with hibernate
verb + preposition
- hibernate for the winterMany bats hibernate for the winter in old mines.
- hibernate through the winterMarmots hibernate through the winter without eating.
- hibernate in a caveThe bears hibernate in a cave near the river.
- prepare to hibernateBears eat a lot in the fall to prepare to hibernate.
- hibernate over the winterFrogs hibernate over the winter at the bottom of ponds.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Bears are hibernated in winter.Correct: Bears hibernate in winter.