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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

Synonyms of bear-hug

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
Williams celebrated by jumping onto the goal post padding and bear-hugging the upright, which earned him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Aggies players were ecstatic with the triumph, high-fiving and bear-hugging each other and then shaking hands with fans young and old. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Noun
Hunt had just tossed his helmet on the sideline when Travis Kelce gave him a bear hug and shouted encouragement. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025 There’s also a dash of Paul McCartney rhythm on the spiral staircase; lessons from Bob Roth, the designer’s meditation teacher, piped into a dressing room — and a metaphorical bear hug awaiting all customers. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 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 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

bear hug

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