teddy bear

noun

ted·​dy bear ˈte-dē-ˌber How to pronounce teddy bear (audio)
: a stuffed toy bear

Examples of teddy 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.
Despite their reputation, teddy bears were born out of bloodsport and politics. Marisa McMillan, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025 The best song in the musical that involves a teddy bear. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 Timento sits in a chair beside him, holding a teddy bear. Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 The Primark Home offer also includes essentials like cotton bedding and towels, plus glasses and plates, table decor and teddy bear bedding. Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for teddy bear

Word History

Etymology

Teddy, nickname of Theodore Roosevelt; from a cartoon depicting the president sparing the life of a bear cub while hunting

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teddy bear was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teddy bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teddy%20bear. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

teddy bear

noun
ted·​dy bear ˈted-ē- How to pronounce teddy bear (audio)
: a stuffed toy bear

More from Merriam-Webster on teddy bear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!