1. periods of dormancy during winter when animals sleep deeply and their body processes slow down significantly
Usage: biology
2. periods of inactivity or withdrawal from normal activities
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Bears’ hibernations can last up to seven months during harsh winters.
• The groundhog’s hibernation ends when spring arrives.
• Scientists study the hibernations of various mammals to understand survival mechanisms.
• After multiple hibernations, the old bear had learned to find the best den sites.
• The writer’s creative hibernations often preceded periods of intense productivity.
• During economic downturns, many businesses enter hibernations to conserve resources.