What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overwinter
Example
The birds overwinter in the southern hemisphere. [overwinter: verb]
Example
The farmer prepares the crops to overwinter in the field. [overwinter: verb]
hibernate
Example
Bears hibernate during the winter months. [hibernate: verb]
Example
The tortoise burrows underground to hibernate for the winter. [hibernate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hibernate is more commonly used than overwinter in everyday language. Hibernate is a specific term that is associated with animals and their winter behavior, while overwinter is a more general term that can refer to a range of activities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overwinter and hibernate?
Both overwinter and hibernate are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in scientific or academic contexts than in everyday conversation.
