dormant

adjective

dor·​mant ˈdȯr-mənt How to pronounce dormant (audio)
1
heraldry : represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws
2
: marked by a suspension of activity: such as
a
: temporarily devoid of external activity
a dormant volcano
b
: temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated
seeds will remain dormant until spring
reawaken her dormant emotions
3
a
: asleep, inactive
dormant creatures
b
: having the faculties suspended : sluggish
c
: having biological activity suspended: such as
(1)
: being in a state of suspended animation
(2)
botany : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment
used of plant parts
4
: associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy
dormant grafting
Choose the Right Synonym for dormant

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence.

latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Examples of dormant in a Sentence

The seeds will remain dormant until the spring. Her emotions have lain dormant for many years.
Recent Examples on the Web Gmail users with dormant accounts will get sent emails warning them of when any deletion will happen. Davey Winder, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Then, a hard freeze late in the fall meant all that grass went dormant. Laura Paddison, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Like the dormant insect, the Locust has reemerged, intent on destroying the world. Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 But without someone who could speak English and handle the day-to-day administrative tasks, the foundation has been mostly dormant. Amy Qin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 The provision was enacted in 1868 to prevent former Confederates from holding office, and laid mostly dormant for more than 150 years. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2024 The beloved punk band has lain dormant, at least as a studio outfit, since its 2010 album, Root for Ruin. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2024 During the previous winter, record rains kept the biting bugs dormant and more people stayed indoors, The Bee reported. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2024 The volcano had been dormant for decades until its eruption in 1994 – and recent activity had put residents on high alert. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dormant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, fixed, stationary, from Anglo-French, from present participle of dormir to sleep, from Latin dormire; akin to Sanskrit drāti he sleeps

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dormant was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near dormant

Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dormant. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dormant

adjective
dor·​mant ˈdȯr-mənt How to pronounce dormant (audio)
1
: not active but capable of becoming active
a dormant volcano
2
a
: sleeping or appearing to be asleep : sluggish
b
: having growth or other biological activity much reduced or suspended
a dormant bud
3
: of, relating to, or used during a period of no or greatly reduced activity or growth
a dormant spray for fruit trees

More from Merriam-Webster on dormant

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