overwinter

1 of 2

verb

over·​win·​ter ˌō-vər-ˈwin-tər How to pronounce overwinter (audio)
overwintered; overwintering; overwinters

intransitive verb

: to last through or pass the winter

overwinter

2 of 2

adjective

: occurring during the period spanning the winter

Examples of overwinter in a Sentence

Verb The geese will overwinter in a warmer climate.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Growers in chilly climates need to dig up tender bulbs, like dahlias, gladiolus, and ranunculus, in fall and overwinter the bulbs indoors to keep these plants safe from severe cold. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 As cold weather approaches, the Asian beetles, an invasive species often confused for the native ladybugs, seek out places to overwinter. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Insects and their brethren use that leaf litter as cover and habitat to help them overwinter. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 11 Oct. 2024 Or transfer the plant to a pot to overwinter indoors. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for overwinter 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwinter was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near overwinter

Cite this Entry

“Overwinter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwinter. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

overwinter

verb
over·​win·​ter
-ˈwint-ər
: to spend or survive the winter
the butterfly overwinters in Mexico
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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