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.
Be aware that, once dormancy is broken, flower buds on the stems are also vulnerable to frost/freeze damage, and that might not be as evident as the singed edges or distorted-leaf symptoms on expanding foliage. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025 The importance of cold in plant physiology is still shrouded in mystery, but the hypothesis is that cold dormancy prevents early onset of growth or development that would be disadvantageous to the plants involved. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025 The dormancy often provides robust protective structures and internally stored energy reserves for the organisms. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025 No amount of fertilizer will bring the lawn out of dormancy; the growing conditions must change. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 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 1 May. 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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