wintering
This term carries a strong association with migration and survival. When used regarding animals, it describes a biological necessity to avoid lethal cold. When applied to humans, it often suggests a lifestyle of leisure or retirement, specifically the practice of moving to warmer climates during the colder months.
In a technical or horticultural sense, the word shifts from a state of being to an action of preparation. It describes the active process of insulating or protecting assets—such as pipes or perennial plants—to prevent freeze damage. This distinguishes the transitive use (preparing something) from the intransitive use (staying somewhere).
Meanings
The process of spending the winter in a particular place, especially for animals or people migrating to avoid cold weather.
The birds are wintering in the southern marshes this year.