Etymology Map
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Hibernate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to spend the winter in a dormant state

Where does the word "hibernate" come from? It comes from Latin hibernare, adopted directly into English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
hibernare
Latin · ancient
"to pass the winter"
from 'hibernus', wintry; Ireland's Latin name 'Hibernia' shares the root
2
Stage 2 of 2
hibernate
English · 1800s
"to winter"
computer 'hibernate' mode dates from the 1990s
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Read the full story

Hibernate’s story begins in Latin: hibernare meant “to pass the winter.” From 'hibernus', wintry; Ireland's Latin name 'Hibernia' shares the root. It reached English by 1800s as hibernate. Computer 'hibernate' mode dates from the 1990s. Today, hibernate means to spend the winter in a dormant state.