black bear

noun

: the common North American bear (Ursus americanus) ranging in color from brown or typical black to white

Illustration of black bear

Illustration of black bear

Examples of black bear in a Sentence

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.
Although state wildlife agencies and experts have noted that black bear attacks remain extremely rare, interactions in recent years have drawn national attention. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 27 June 2025 What to do if a bear approaches Wild Minnesota black bears are usually shy and wary of people, and attacks by black bears are rare, according to the DNR. Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 Marty, along with his black bear friend, Kodak, came in from New Hampshire for a celebration this week. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025 For two years, a young black bear roamed Michigan with a lid to a 55-gallon drum stuck around its neck. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for black bear

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black bear was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Black bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20bear. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

black bear

noun
: the common usually black-furred bear found in North American forests

More from Merriam-Webster on black bear

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