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 After weeks of nonstop questions, speculation, and polar bear theories, True Detective: Night Country finally provided answers in its devastating season finale. Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 Feb. 2024 Size is also a good indicator; polar bear tracks are absolutely massive. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 7 Feb. 2024 This dreamy image of a polar bear drifting to sleep on a bed carved into an iceberg is the winner of the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. Naomi Schanen, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 It was found for the first time last fall in a polar bear. Journal Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2024 From a dragonfly landing on a turtle’s nose to a sleeping polar bear, the images honored in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest offer rare glimpses into astounding, tense and tender moments experienced by animals across the world. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024 Kourtney Kardashian's Christmas Tree Kourtney turned her home into the North Pole in 2018 with five trees, a massive pile of presents and two polar bear statues (similar to her mom's!). Mackenzie Schmidt, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023 Guests visiting the Kirkenes Snow Hotel in Northern Norway should expect a frosty reception from a polar bear. David Nikel, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 For the first time, researchers directly linked greenhouse gas emissions to their effect on the survival of polar bear cubs. USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polar bear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near polar bear

Cite this Entry

“Polar bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polar%20bear. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

polar bear

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

More from Merriam-Webster on polar bear

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