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.
In recent years, a growing problem in various suburbs has been an increase in the sightings of black bears in congested areas where they had been rarely seen in the past. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 At night, the desert comes alive with coyote howls, prowling skunks and the possibility of larger cats or black bears nearby. Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Florida’s black bear population is about 4,000. News Service Of Florida, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 The park is also home to a vast array of wildlife—including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears—and forests. Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026 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 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

black bear

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

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