awakening

noun

awak·​en·​ing ə-ˈwāk-niŋ 

ə-ˈwā-kə-

plural awakenings

1

: a rousing from sleep

The night terror is an abrupt awakening early in the night, most often within the first hour or two of sleep …

—Franklin Galvin et al.

2

a

: a rousing from inactivity or indifference

… one of the primary branches of yoga … prescribes various practices to assist the yogi in the gradual awakening of the heart.

—James Bailey

b

: a revival of interest in something (such as religion)

Russian Jews themselves experienced a cultural and political awakening after Israel's victory, some openly challenging their government's ban on religious and Hebrew training.

—Jonathan D. Sarna

3

: a coming into awareness

Like his discovery of literature, this intimacy becomes an awakening to the possibilities of life.

—Morris Dickstein

Examples of awakening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This awakening is slowly driving a shift toward more conscious, mindful fashion choices. —Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 12 May 2025

Steamy romance offers a stress release and a spiritual awakening as Venus and Pluto harmonize. —Usa Today, USA Today, 6 May 2025

This transit sparks a sense of wanderlust or a spiritual awakening, so grab your journal and camera! —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025

Set against the backdrop of Norway’s cultural awakening, the series created by Ole-Martin Ihle and Eivind Holmboe turns on a socialist family, navigating the turbulent waters of 1980s capitalism. —Annika Pham, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing awakening

• rude awakening

Rhymes for awakening

• reawakening
• wakening