polar bear

American  

noun

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

---

polar bear British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of polar bear

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

A polar bear cub travels the icy Svalbard coast with its mother.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 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

Soon he is inviting the polar bear to come for a ride.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

As the polar bear circled in closer to the snowmobile, Owen and George spiraled farther away, always keeping the bear in sight as they backed up.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz