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

Federal prosecutors noted that black bears and cougars are coveted by some for their use in traditional medicine. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

The first closed the spring bear season and ended the use of bait and hounds to pursue black bears. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Better still are the mountain views that surround the lake and the robust collection of wildlife that call this place home, from voles, shrews, and marmots to elk, black bears, and porcupines. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

An otter bobs in the inlet, an eagle glides across the sky, and a black bear ambles amidst old-growth forest on the distant shores. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 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