Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

American black bear

noun

Definition of American black bear 

: black bear sense 1 With a population of more than 450,000, the American black bear now outnumbers all other bears put together and is not threatened with extinction.— Jane E. Brody, New York Times, 1 May 1990

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of American black bear

1800, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about American black bear

Share American black bear

Statistics for American black bear

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for American black bear

The first known use of American black bear was in 1800

See more words from the same year

Comments on American black bear

What made you want to look up American black bear? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nomothetic

involving abstract or general statements

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Liar, Liar Quiz

  • alt-5761dbe2ba986
  • Someone who pretends to be sick in order to avoid work is a:
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games