dormancy

noun

dor·​man·​cy ˈdȯr-mən(t)-sē How to pronounce dormancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being dormant

Examples of dormancy in a Sentence

some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reduce irrigation in fall as plants prepare for winter dormancy. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025 Chris Collingwood, who divided songwriting duties in FOW with Schlesinger and handled all the lead vocals, will be back as frontman for the new dates after 12 years of dormancy for the group, which split up well before the 2020 death of Schlesinger. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 Once installed, the malware operates stealthily, often activating only after a period of dormancy to avoid raising suspicion. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025 The researchers aren’t entirely sure how the microalgae managed to stay alive and out of dormancy through the darkest times. Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dormancy

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dormancy was in 1789

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dormancy. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dormancy

noun
dor·​man·​cy ˈdȯr-mən-sē How to pronounce dormancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being dormant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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