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

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

Giant lineman JC Latham did not get the memo though as he gave Goodell a huge bear hug after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2024

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

“Perfect! I’ll take it!” he said, lifting the grandfather clock up in a bear hug.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el