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 February, a 525-pound black bear was found hiding under the home of Altadena resident Samy Arbid, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 10 June 2025 Larger predators—coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and copperhead snakes—would follow. Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 5 June 2025 Additional photos showed a staff member in a black bear mask and black fur interacting with the cub and holding him. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 May 2025 Those projections are reflected by growing reports of bear sightings, including outside the core black bear range in the southern part of the state, a state report said. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 16 May 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 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

black bear

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

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