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.
But with fewer than 30 wolves in Colorado-and tens of thousands of coyotes and over 17,000 black bears — that’s not a tie. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 3 July 2025 Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb. Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025 Minnesota’s black bear range has been gradually expanding southward and westward, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 At the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s August hearing, members will consider final approval for a regulated annual black bear hunt — the state’s first in 10 years. Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 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 13 Jul. 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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