bear hug

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.

Our critic praised the star for “his admirable ability to give audiences a big bear hug without leaving the stage.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Yvonne Carvalho, a 5-foot dynamo with oversize black glasses and purple MAC lipstick, greeted the nurse anesthesiologist with a bear hug and questions about her dating life and her daughter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Austin Reaves, who dominated with 38 points on 12 for 15 shooting with eight rebounds and three assists, gave him a two-armed bear hug.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2025

Trainer pushed a 6-foot par putt to the right of the cup to end it, with Lowry lifting a laughing McIlroy off the ground with a bear hug on the green.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2024

Tam Lin thundered through the door and gathered Teacher up in a bear hug.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer