polar bear

noun

: a large creamy-white carnivorous bear (Ursus maritimus synonym Thalarctos maritimus) that inhabits arctic regions

Illustration of polar bear

Illustration of polar bear

Examples of polar 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.
Occasionally a curious polar bear meandered near camp, which was always changing as the ice floe buckled and drifted across the Arctic Ocean. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 In addition to showcasing the Arctic’s raw, austere beauty and wildlife encounters such as sightings of polar bears, walruses, wolves, giant musk ox, narwhal, and snowy owls, the voyage shines a spotlight on the Indigenous people who have stewarded the region’s unusual ecosystems for 5,000 years. Robin Catalano, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025 The polar bears paced around psychotically on their rock. Sara Stridsberg september 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 These projects focus on preserving polar bears, rhinos, imperiled cats and exceptional (endangered) plants. Leyla Shokoohe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polar bear

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polar bear was in 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Polar bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polar%20bear. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

polar bear

noun
: a large creamy-white fish-eating bear that lives in arctic regions

More from Merriam-Webster on polar bear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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