\ ˈber
\
\
plural bears
Definition of bear
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
or plural bear
: any of a family (Ursidae of the order Carnivora) of large heavy mammals of America and Eurasia that have long shaggy hair, rudimentary tails, and plantigrade feet and feed largely on fruit, plant matter, and insects as well as on flesh
2
: a surly, uncouth, burly, or shambling person
a tall, friendly bear of a man
3
[ probably from the proverb about selling the bearskin before catching the bear ]
: one that sells securities or commodities in expectation of a price decline — compare bull
4
: something difficult to do or deal with
the oven is a bear to clean
bear
verb
\ ˈber
\
\
bore\ ˈbȯr
\;
borne
also born\ ˈbȯrn
\;
bearing
\;
borne
also born\ ˈbȯrn
\;
bearing
Definition of bear (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
: to accept or allow oneself to be subjected to especially without giving way
couldn't bear the pain I can't bear seeing you cry
b
: to call for as suitable or essential
it bears watching
d
: to support the weight of : sustain
e
: to hold above, on top, or aloft
f
: to admit of : allow
2a
: to move while holding up and supporting (something)
b
: to have as a feature or characteristic
bears a likeness to her grandmother
c
: to be equipped or furnished with (something)
d
: to have as an identification
bore the name of John
e
: to hold in the mind or emotions
bear malice
g
: to give as testimony
bear false witness
h
: disseminate
1a
: to go or incline in an indicated direction
b
: to extend in a direction indicated or implied
c
: to be situated : lie
d
: to become directed
e
: to force one's way
b
: to exert influence or force
3
: to produce fruit : yield
4
: to support a weight or strain
—often used with up
bear a hand
bear arms
bear fruit
bear in mind
bear with
: to join in and help out
1
: to carry or possess arms
2
: to serve as a soldier
: to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development : to produce a desired result or reward
: to think of (something) especially as a warning : remember
: to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with (someone)
Bear
geographical name
\ ˈber
\
\
Definition of Bear (Entry 3 of 3)
river 350 miles (563 kilometers) long in northern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and southeastern Idaho flowing to Great Salt Lake
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Other Words from bear
Noun
bearlike
\ ˈber-ˌlīk
\
adjective
\
adjective