teddy bear

noun

ted·​dy bear ˈte-dē-ˌber How to pronounce teddy bear (audio)
: a stuffed toy bear

Examples of teddy bear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The clearance section is chock-full of funky accessories, including shoes, jewelry, and even a handbag that looks like a teddy bear. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025 One personal touch in elementary school was when a giant teddy bear was placed in Phoenix’s seat whenever she was hospitalized. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Previous reports said the speedboat sank with personal items still inside, including a small teddy bear, though no visible tags were on its hull and no personal papers were inside the vessel. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 MacFarlane will continue to provide the voice of Ted — a teddy bear brought to life by a boy’s wish, now grown up and bearing the hallmarks of a boorish Seth MacFarlane character. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for teddy bear

Word History

Etymology

Teddy, nickname of Theodore Roosevelt; from a cartoon depicting the president sparing the life of a bear cub while hunting

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teddy bear was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teddy bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teddy%20bear. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

teddy bear

noun
ted·​dy bear ˈted-ē- How to pronounce teddy bear (audio)
: a stuffed toy bear

More from Merriam-Webster on teddy bear

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