Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Hibernaculum"

Episode Date: December 21, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (for Merriam-Webster)

Overview

This episode explores the word “hibernaculum,” delving into its definition, etymology, and usage. Peter Sokolowski introduces listeners to this scientific and evocative term, providing examples and connecting it to related vocabulary—all in Merriam-Webster’s signature concise, informative style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Usage

• Definition of “Hibernaculum”

  • A shelter occupied during the winter by a dormant animal, such as an insect, snake, bat, or marmot.
  • Plural: hibernacula.
  • Used in both scientific and general nature contexts.

• Example in a Sentence

  • Quoting from the Shawnee News Star:

    “Adult female bees begin looking for a hibernation location or hibernaculum in the fall. If the gardener is planning to deadhead any spent flowers from the summer, aim to prune stems at varying heights 8 inches to 24 inches as a nesting site for these bees.” (00:45)

    Key takeaway: Gardeners can support bee populations by leaving stems of varying heights, providing natural hibernacula.

• Additional Animal Examples

  • Hibernacula can host large, sometimes crowded groups (e.g., snakes and bats).

  • Other uses include:

    • Woodchuck burrows
    • Caterpillar cocoons on wintry twigs
    • Mud spots where frogs bury themselves

  • Memorable moment:

    “If you're afraid of snakes or bats, you probably won't enjoy thinking about hibernacula, where hundreds, even thousands, of these creatures might be passing the wintry months.” (01:20)

Etymology & History

• Origins of the Word

  • “Hibernaculum” has been used in English since the late 1700s.
  • Slightly older than the more familiar “hibernate.”
  • Both terms derive from the Latin verb hibernare (“to pass the winter”), which comes from hibernus (“winter”).

• Notable Fact

  • Hibernacula themselves have existed for millennia, but the terminology is relatively recent in English.

  • Speaker note:

    “Hibernacula are all around us and have been around for a long, long time. But we've only called them such since the late 1700s, making hibernaculum only a few decades older than the more familiar word hibernate.” (01:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Animal Shelters:

  “If you're afraid of snakes or bats, you probably won't enjoy thinking about hibernacula, where hundreds, even thousands, of these creatures might be passing the wintry months.” — Peter Sokolowski (01:20)

• On Human Connection:

  “Hibernacula are all around us and have been around for a long, long time. But we've only called them such since the late 1700s…” — Peter Sokolowski (01:52)

Important Timestamps

• 00:27 — Introduction of “hibernaculum” (definition, plural form)
• 00:45 — Example sentence about bees and gardening
• 01:20 — Description of crowded hibernacula (snakes, bats)
• 01:52 — Etymology and history of “hibernaculum”
• 02:23 — Root words from Latin; relationship to “hibernate”

Tone and Language

The episode maintains an inviting, educational, and slightly whimsical tone, as is standard for Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day. The language is clear but scientific, offering both everyday and natural science contexts.

Summary

“Hibernaculum” offers listeners not just a glimpse into scientific language, but also encourages awareness of animal life during winter and their ingenious survival strategies. The episode stands out for connecting practical gardening tips, etymology, and the wonder of nature through a single evocative word.