bear-hug

1 of 2

verb

ˈber-ˌhəg 

bear-hugged; bear-hugging; bear-hugs

transitive verb

: to embrace in a bear hug

bear hug

2 of 2

noun

: a rough tight embrace

Synonyms of bear-hug

Verb

• hug
• clasp

Examples of bear-hug in a Sentence

Verb

elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight

Noun

He gave his brother a bear hug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Flowers’ voice also carries some of Waylon’s wry, bear-hug generosity, that warmth that always makes his music feel like good company. — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026

In a joint Instagram post shared by the Santa Cruz State Lifeguard Association, Ryder is seen bear-hugging the child so as not to let the two get separated by the crashing waves around them, some of which reached several feet. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Noun

After postgame interviews, before autographs, and before bear hugs from family, the USMNT’s social media manager handed Sullivan a smartphone. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Zabransky was the first person to reach Rabb in the end zone, yanking him into the air for a bear hug. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bear-hug

• debug
• humbug
• prodrug
• unplug
• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug

Kids Definition

bear hug

noun

: a rough tight hug

bear-hug verb