polar bear

noun

: a large creamy-white carnivorous bear (Ursus maritimus synonym Thalarctos maritimus) that inhabits arctic regions

Illustration of polar bear

Illustration of polar bear

Examples of polar bear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Polar Bear Passage allows visitors to get remarkably close to polar bears through both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and the Orangutan Canopy showcases these intelligent primates. Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026 Tasul later helped researchers understand how climate change is influencing the diets of wild polar bears and assisted with testing tracking equipment by wearing a specialized collar that helped improve the accuracy of devices used on wild populations. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026 That viral video of the bear splashing in his ice bath exists because dedicated researchers and zookeepers are working to make sure polar bears have a future — in the Arctic and beyond. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026 Both bears also worked with researchers from multiple federal agencies to test advanced laser technology that can measure a polar bear’s body weight from a distance. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polar bear

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polar bear was in 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Polar bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polar%20bear. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

polar bear

noun
: a large creamy-white fish-eating bear that lives in arctic regions

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