bear-hug

1 of 2

verb

bear-hugged; bear-hugging; bear-hugs

transitive verb

: to embrace in a bear hug

bear hug

2 of 2

noun

: a rough tight embrace

Examples of bear-hug in a Sentence

Verb elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight Noun He gave his brother a bear hug.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Less than an hour later, a mighty whoop erupted as Chapel sank the third ping-pong ball, and everyone rushed back to the table to yell, leap, chest-bump and bear-hug — a moment of euphoria worthy of a winning lottery ticket. Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024 Finally, as the judge said not guilty for the sixth time, Connor lowered his head, took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes and bear-hugged the public defenders who represented him. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 8 May 2024
Noun
In one photo, Laughlin gave Bure a bear hug from behind, and in another, the pair posed with Stamos and Sweetin for a group shot. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Sneak Peek Teases Jesse Williams' Return as Jackson Avery: 'Welcome Back' (Exclusive) When Bailey attempted to go unnoticed while sneaking around the hospital, Sydney saw her and immediately gave her a bear hug. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bear-hug 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bear-hug was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near bear-hug

Cite this Entry

“Bear-hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear-hug. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bear hug

noun
: a rough tight hug
bear-hug verb
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