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.
Rumors began swirling about a change of scenery for Pooh after The Washington Post reported last week about a push to bring the teddy bear back home as the famed character turns 100 this year. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026 The United States is once again at war with Great Britain — this time over a 105-year-old Winnie-the-Pooh teddy bear. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 Panels also featured decorations that included hearts, rainbows, sequins, a Star of David, a chef’s hat, a chorus line of dancers, teddy bears, and a panda. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026 As previously announced, Seth MacFarlane will once again voice the titular teddy bear come to life, with Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth reprising their film roles as John, Sam and Tami-Lynn, respectively. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 Sep. 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 1 Nov. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teddy bear

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