noun
grizzly
GRIHZ-lee
noun
1
A large, powerful brown bear native to North America, known scientifically as a subspecies of brown bear.
"Hikers were warned that a grizzly had been spotted near the trail."
How to Use Grizzly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large, gray-tipped brown bear found in North America, known for its size and strength.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "grisly," meaning horrifying — the two are unrelated despite sounding alike.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a grizzly bear
grizzly attack
Word Forms
grizzlier comparative, grizzlies plural, grizzliest superlative
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Hikers were warned that a _____ had been spotted near the trail.
Etymology
Related to "grizzle," an old word describing something streaked with gray — the grizzly bear gets its name from the grayish tips of its fur.