woolly bear
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of woolly bear
First recorded in 1835–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to the legend, the more black setae—long prickly hairs—found on a woolly bear, the harsher the coming winter will be.
From National Geographic • Nov. 29, 2023
While there are hundreds of woolly-looking species in Erebidae family, the most common and well-recognized woolly bear caterpillar is Pyrrharctia isabella, or the larval form of the Isabella tiger moth, says Marshall.
From National Geographic • Nov. 29, 2023
If you see a banded woolly bear caterpillar inching along, winter is probably around the corner.
From Washington Post • Nov. 22, 2021
The term woolly bear may make children think of fuzzy stuffed animals: Winnie-the-Pooh, Paddington, any number of teddies.
From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2014
“Wouldn’t you rather have a nice woolly bear, though? Or a pretty doll?”
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
