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.
Stuffed teddy bears tucked inside sprays of flowers. — Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 June 2026 In this video, JJ imagines that his favorite teddy bear comes to life. — Parents, 26 June 2026 There's been teddy bear brunette, which offers up a perfect neutral between brunette and blonde. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 4 July 2026 By Friday evening, her nephew had found a pink teddy bear that belonged to his own daughter, Eugenia, beneath slabs of concrete. — Joshua Partlow, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026 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

Rhymes for teddy bear

See All Rhymes for teddy bear

Browse Nearby Words

teddy
teddy bear
teddy boy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teddy bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teddy%20bear. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of teddy bear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teddy bear

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