polar bear

American  

noun

• polar bears
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• polar bears
  plural

Etymology

Origin of polar bear

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polar bear

A person has been fined for using a foghorn to wake a sleeping polar bear in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, a local official said.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Her social media feed piled up with video after video of polar bear rescues, such as fishermen or scientists hauling a freezing, struggling baby polar bear onto a ship.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2026

When Rana’s curiosity leads her far from home, she must call on her memory of her mother’s stories and, with the help of an obliging polar bear, find her own way back.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 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

In front of the cabin’s lone window, Owen saw another polar bear prevention device: a ratty old couch.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz