bear-hug

verb

Save Word

\ ˈber-ˌhəg

bear-hugged; bear-hugging; bear-hugs

Definition of bear-hug

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to embrace in a bear hug

bear hug

noun

Definition of bear hug (Entry 2 of 2)

: a rough tight embrace

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About bear-hug

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for bear-hug

Synonyms: Verb

Examples of bear-hug in a Sentence

Noun He gave his brother a bear hug.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Rodriguez-Rodriguez put an officer into a bear hug as the officer was trying to arrest another protester, according to an arrest report. — Bobby Caina Calvan And Freida Frisaro, Star Tribune, 15 July 2021 Tedy Bruschi was back at practice and the former standout linebacker had a big bear hug for coach Jerod Mayo, himself a former standout linebacker. — BostonGlobe.com, 9 Aug. 2021 If distance makes the heart grow fonder, Canadians are about to get a big bear hug from their southern neighbors. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2021 Except, that is, the bear hug that is a new staple of the Dodgers clubhouse. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2021 The defending gold medalist ducked under the lane lines and corralled Jacoby in a bear hug while slapping the water in celebration. — Nathan Fenno, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2021 Alba remained stony-faced, even as a beaming Chiellini picked him up in a bear hug. — Matias Grez, CNN, 6 July 2021 Let’s just say Michelle Obama would have been proud of our bear hug. — Washington Post, 9 June 2021 But some Democrats seized on the former President's reemergence, suggesting that Republicans will suffer electorally for continuing to bear hug Trump. — Gabby Orr And Michael Warren, CNN, 5 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bear-hug.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.