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
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
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
The study also speculated potential future Alzheimer’s problems may arise from the COVID-19 pandemic as SARS-CoV-2 infections have been known to reactivate dormant VSV and HSV-1 infections.
—
Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
By targeting the root cause, that is dormant hair follicles, the treatment has a more complete effect as opposed to what is currently being offered, which only slows down the process of hair loss.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
The older the industry, the more AI opportunity there may be laying dormant today.
—Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
Atlanta’s pass rush has been dormant for years now.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
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Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
By targeting the root cause, that is dormant hair follicles, the treatment has a more complete effect as opposed to what is currently being offered, which only slows down the process of hair loss.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
The older the industry, the more AI opportunity there may be laying dormant today.
—Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
Atlanta’s pass rush has been dormant for years now.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
Cite this Entry
“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dormant. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dormant
adjective
dor·mant
ˈdȯr-mənt 
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
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