brown bear

noun

1. any of several medium-sized to large bears of the species Ursus arctos, inhabiting North America and Eurasia in dwindling populations, characterized by an upturned muzzle and a hump high on the back and ranging from light tan to near black; formerly considered three distinct species and often still referred to as such: U. horribilis, the grizzly bear; U. middendorffi, the Kodiac bear; and U. arctos, comprising European and Asian brown bears.

brown bear

noun

1. a large ferocious brownish bear, Ursus arctos , inhabiting temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia See also grizzly bear Kodiak bear

Word History and Origins

Origin of brown bear¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Chunk received the most votes in a competition between 12 brown bears where voters pick the one they believe "best exemplifies fatness and success" as they prepare for winter hibernation.

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A national parks website providing guidance on what to do says, “If you surprise a grizzly/brown bear and it charges or attacks, do not fight back! Only fight back if the attack persists.”

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In July, a newspaper deliveryman was killed by a brown bear in a residential area.

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We kept our eyes peeled for black and brown bears, salmon leaping from the water, bald eagles by the dozens, playful otters, whales, seals, mountain goats, and more.

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Romania is home to the largest brown bear population in the European Union.

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