Definitions

1. verb

to live or remain in a state of inactivity; to be inactive or dormant

“The plants have been vegetating during the winter months.”

2. verb

to spend time doing nothing; to indulge in idle or aimless activity

“He has been vegetating on the couch all day, watching TV.”

3. verb

to grow or develop, especially in a slow or gradual way

“The idea has been vegetating in the back of his mind for years.”

4. noun

a plant in a dormant or resting stage

“The trees are in a state of vegetate, waiting for spring to arrive.”