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polar bear
noun
: a large creamy-white carnivorous bear (Ursus maritimus synonym Thalarctos maritimus) that inhabits arctic regions
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
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
Nglish: Translation of polar bear for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polar bear
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