black bear

noun

: the common North American bear (Ursus americanus) ranging in color from brown or typical black to white

Illustration of black bear

Examples of black bear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wildlife experts say black bears are strong climbers and may scale trees, utility poles or other tall structures when startled by people, traffic or dogs. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026

Brown and black bears are reported in Bear Valley each year, hence the name, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Reports of a black bear in Buzzard’s Bay had been making their way to Bourne Police Department and the town’s Department of Natural Resources over the past few days, the police department said in a statement. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 12 July 2026

Video from Jeffrey Tazzara's home security system, licensed by Storyful, shows his young son standing in the driveway outside Tazzara's home as a black bear appears, running toward the child at a high speed. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for black bear

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

black bear

noun

: the common usually black-furred bear found in North American forests