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
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.
Verb
Remove piles of leaves and plant materials from your garden to reduce the number of overwintering pests, says Khan. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026 And tender perennials that would die in a frost — dahlias, geraniums, peppers — can overwinter safely and come back stronger the following spring with an extra month or more of harvesting. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The lady beetles emerging in spring actually entered your home in the fall, squeezing through small cracks to overwinter inside walls, attics, and other sheltered spaces. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026 For example, bumble bee queens, firefly larvae, and some species of lady beetles and wasps overwinter in leaf litter. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overwinter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwinter. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

overwinter

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