polar bear

American  

noun

1. a large white bear, Ursus maritimus, of the Arctic regions.

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polar bear British  

noun

1. a white carnivorous bear, Thalarctos maritimus, of coastal regions of the North Pole

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Etymology

Origin of polar bear

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

One of the Inuk rangers, Julia Elanik from Aklavik in the Northwestern Territories, drove the length of the patrol with a rifle on her back in case a polar bear crossed the group.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

In his office, where his mayor's chain is displayed alongside a polar bear femur, Terje Aunevik echoed that sentiment.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

A polar bear suffers through an existential crisis of faith after realizing that he prefers Pepsi Max to Coke Zero.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

A few days before Christmas, Dasher is soaring alone through skies illuminated by the northern lights when, upon landing, she meets a polar bear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

He knew too that the polar bear season was getting longer and longer every year.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz