black bear

noun

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

Illustration of black bear

Illustration of black bear

Examples of black bear in a Sentence

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.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is assisting resident Ken Johnson in trying to rid his uninvited guest, an above-average-sized California black bear. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025 These and other species (like mule deer) prefer wide open overpasses — as opposed to the long and narrow underpasses preferred by mountain lions and black bears. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 18 Dec. 2025 There, towering cypress trees have grown for hundreds of years and vulnerable or endangered species like Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, black bears, and red pandas live in habitats that morph with the rising geography – and new plant and animal species continue to be discovered. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 There are at least 25,000 bears — including the grizzly and black bear species — that roam the state of Washington, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for black bear

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black bear was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Black bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20bear. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

black bear

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

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