bear-hug

1 of 2

verb

bear-hugged; bear-hugging; bear-hugs

transitive verb

: to embrace in a bear hug

bear hug

2 of 2

noun

: a rough tight embrace

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
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.
Verb
Running back Isaac Guerendo returned to practice Tuesday and twice ran into the line only to be bear-hugged by Warner, who followed orders and did not tackle to the ground. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025 And then Forbes will see the kid disappear into a giant bear-hug. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
Your thunderous laugh, the bear hugs, our chats about love, family and life. Julia Moore, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Inside the Speaker’s lobby outside the House chamber, Representative Rick Allen of Georgia lifted Johnson off his feet in a bear hug. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bear-hug

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bear-hug was in 1837

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bear-hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear-hug. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bear hug

noun
: a rough tight hug
bear-hug verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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