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

Polar bear attacks are rare, but they are a risk for people who live and work in isolated Arctic environments.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

Polar bear cubs are actually born deaf and blind; their eyes and auditory canals don't open until about 30 days after birth.

From Fox News • Jan. 9, 2019

Polar bear experts say they worry that at some point the number of bears seeking food here will exceed what is available.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2016

Polar bear looking into the water at the edge of the ice.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2013

Sir Hilton looked in the direction in which the trainer pointed, and saw the Polar bear skin; nothing more.

From Sir Hilton's Sin by Fenn, George Manville