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.

I've posted it on social media and it shows me going over to give him a bear hug, but it is him who ends up lifting me off the ground.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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

One of the relieved organizers grabbed him in a tight bear hug.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge