teddy bear

American  

noun

1. a toy bear, especially a stuffed one.

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teddy bear British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: teddy.  a stuffed toy bear made from soft or fluffy material

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Etymology

Origin of teddy bear

1905–10, after Theodore Roosevelt, called Teddy, who is said to have saved the life of a bear cub while hunting

Example Sentences

Villains in previous Toy Story movies have included a large purple teddy bear called Lotso, troubled next-door neighbour Sid, a ruthless toy collector named Al and creepy vintage doll Gabby Gabby.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Meanwhile, Camilla will mark the 100th birthday of fictional teddy bear Winnie the Pooh at the New York Public Library, where she is expected to gift a specially made toy of the character Roo.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

It is a house with little furniture or belongings: a plastic table and chairs, beds, sacks of rice, a teddy bear, clothes hanging from a single rail.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

She looks like a teddy bear that’s come to life.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

Tendai looked at Trashman, who was holding Kuda as though he were a large teddy bear.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer