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.
Lean black bears can also achieve top speeds of 30 mph. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 21 Feb. 2025 So his assistants took matters into their own hands, cornering a 235-pound black bear and tying it to a willow tree. Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025 The only bears that live in California are black bears, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025 New Jersey's controversial black bear hunt begins New Jersey's controversial black bear hunt begins 02:29 A Virginia man has died after a bear in a tree shot by one of his hunting partners fell on him, state wildlife officials said. CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024 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 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

black bear

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

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