brown bear

American  

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.

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brown bear British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of brown bear

First recorded in 1775–85

Compare meaning

How does brown-bear compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• brown bear vs. grizzly bear

Example Sentences

Later, when the AI reported a brown bear moving in the yard, she was less concerned.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

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

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2025

His segment predicted a huge restoration of British woodlands thanks to genetic engineering and multi-storey agri facilities, leading to the return of animals including the brown bear.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2024

Prof Britton said it could mean the samples are of a subspecies of brown bear, but added it was also possible they were of polar bears.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2024

What do those kids want with a little brown bear?

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn