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.
Back in June, a Los Angeles homeowner was stunned to discover a black bear had entered their backyard. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Glittering black-sand beaches are littered with sea lions and elephant seals, while a lucky few might spot a roaming black bear or elk, creatures that are also enjoying the stillness. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025 For the first time in a decade, Floridians will be legally allowed to hunt black bears in the state. Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025 Scaring a black bear can reinforce its natural fear of people and help keep it from lingering in neighborhoods and other areas where conflicts often arise. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

black bear

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

More from Merriam-Webster on black bear

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