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
After lying dormant for years, the match was revived in NXT by Triple H, becoming a popular annual event for the brand.
—
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
In fact, the trade market was surprisingly dormant league-wide after widespread anticipation that a hectic two nights were in store.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
As data creation and retention rates continue to increase, the time frame for active data use has shrunk, with most files accessed less frequently and for shorter periods before becoming dormant.
—Carl D'halluin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The eastern Pacific Ocean has seen a historic run of activity as the Atlantic remains dormant.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
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.
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
In fact, the trade market was surprisingly dormant league-wide after widespread anticipation that a hectic two nights were in store.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
As data creation and retention rates continue to increase, the time frame for active data use has shrunk, with most files accessed less frequently and for shorter periods before becoming dormant.
—Carl D'halluin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The eastern Pacific Ocean has seen a historic run of activity as the Atlantic remains dormant.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 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 21 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share