Word
wintering
Phoneticswin·ter·ing
UK/wˈɪntəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. to spend the winter in a particular place, often somewhere warmer or safer. Birds do this when they fly south for the cold months.
v. to spend the winter season in a particular location, especially to avoid harsh conditions. Typically describes migration of birds and animals, or seasonal relocation of people.
Examples
“Many birds are wintering in the south this year.”
“The geese are wintering on the lake behind our farm until spring returns.”
“The swallows wintering along the southern coast will return north in April, guided by daylight and instinct honed over thousands of migrations.”
Examples
simple
“Many birds are wintering in the south this year.”
contextual
“The geese are wintering on the lake behind our farm until spring returns.”
complex
“The swallows wintering along the southern coast will return north in April, guided by daylight and instinct honed over thousands of migrations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “wintering” in context.
Verb
01. bird winter
“Thousands of birds winter in the wetlands every year.”
noun + verb
02. duck winter
“Many ducks winter around the unfrozen northern lakes.”
noun + verb
03. goose winter
“Barnacle geese winter on the salt marshes of Scotland.”
noun + verb
04. winter cattle
“Ranchers winter cattle on lowland pastures with extra hay.”
verb + noun
05. winter in south
“Cranes winter in the south to avoid frozen feeding grounds.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. safely winter
“Deer can safely winter in the valley when food is provided.”
adv + verb
07. successfully winter
“Many swallows successfully winter in South Africa each year.”
adv + verb
08. arrive at wintering site
“The ducks arrive at their wintering site in November.”
09. migrate south to winter
“Swallows migrate south to winter in warmer climates.”
10. protect wintering grounds
“Conservationists work to protect wintering grounds along the coast.”
11. spend the winter together
“Geese spend the winter together on sheltered lakes.”
12. winter in the south
“Many cranes winter in the south of Spain.”
Usage
Intransitive; typically followed by 'in' plus a place.
Real-World Examples
“In contrast, peregrine falcons that breed in Alaska migrate almost directly south, dispersing across the Americas to wintering grounds that extend as far as southern South America.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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