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.
There were fewer coyotes in forested areas inhabited by black bears. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024 Directed by Adam MacDonald, Backcountry follows a young couple, Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jenn (Missy Peregrym), a couple that takes a camping trip in a remote Canadian forest, only to find themselves being stalked and chased by a deadly black bear. Travis Bean, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 In addition to the need for food, Moul said habitat loss caused by wildfires could push black bears into human development and areas they wouldn’t normally be seen. John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024 Bear hunting season has begun in New Jersey – a controversial decision that state officials say is intended to curb the population of black bears interacting with humans. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Oct. 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

Dictionary Entries Near black bear

Cite this Entry

“Black bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20bear. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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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