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

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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.
Our goal is for these cubs to thrive, eventually reproduce and add to the Colorado black bear population. — Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 24 Feb. 2025 Porter and brother of Darwin in this county during the deer season in two days killed two black bear and eight deer. — Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 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 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

Rhymes for black bear

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Cite this Entry

“Black bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20bear. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

black bear

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

More from Merriam-Webster on black bear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black bear

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