awakening

noun

awak·​en·​ing ə-ˈwāk-niŋ How to pronounce awakening (audio)
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
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Previous research shows that warmer temperatures overall magnify the impacts of OSA, as warmer temperatures lead to lighter sleep stages and more frequent disruptions and awakenings. Ani Freedman, Fortune, 17 June 2025 Increases Sleep Duration Regularly reading before bed and reading for just a short time can improve the length of time slept, with fewer awakenings. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025 The series finds Dexter awakening from a coma and discovering that Harrison has vanished. Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 The Red Pill: Entrepreneurial Awakening And Boldness The red pill represents awakening to entrepreneurial possibility, choosing to see beyond the corporate world and recognizing the potential to build something more meaningful on your own terms. Isabelita Castilho, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for awakening

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of awakening was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Awakening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awakening. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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