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.
As for the spruce and birch forest model, several animals, such as the black bear, the moose and the snowshoe hare, call it home. Shivani Vora, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 When the wildlife crossing is complete, scheduled for next fall, animals such as black bears, mule deer and elk are expected to use the overpass to cross I-17 some 12 miles south of Flagstaff. Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 California currently has a robust population of black bears, whose population is estimated at 60,000. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2025 Florida wildlife officials will decide next month whether to launch the state's first black bear hunt in nearly a decade. Martin Vassolo, Axios, 1 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

black bear

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

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