What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dormancy
Example
The trees enter dormancy during the winter months. [dormancy: noun]
Example
The seeds remain in dormancy until the right conditions for germination are met. [dormancy: noun]
hibernation
Example
Bears hibernate during the winter to conserve energy. [hibernate: verb]
Example
The hedgehog entered hibernation to survive the cold winter. [hibernation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dormancy is more commonly used in botany and agriculture, while hibernation is more commonly used in zoology and ecology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dormancy and hibernation?
Both dormancy and hibernation are formal words used in scientific contexts.
