bear's cub

bear's cub

A mother bear watches over her bear's cub in the forest.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A young bear: "bear's cub" refers to the offspring of a bear, typically a young bear that is still dependent on its mother for care and protection.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The mother bear guarded her bear's cub fiercely from any potential threat. (A young bear being protected by its parent.)
    • We saw a bear's cub playing near the riverbank during our hike. (A young bear engaged in playful activity.)
Advanced Usage

  • "bear's cub in the den": Refers to a young bear staying in its mother's shelter.

    • The bear's cub stayed hidden in the den during the winter months. (The young bear remained in its protective home.)

  • "to raise a bear's cub": To care for or nurture a young bear.

    • The wildlife ranger had to raise the orphaned bear's cub until it could survive alone. (To look after a young bear without its mother.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Bear's whelp (n): an alternative term for a young bear, often used in older or more formal English.

    • The bear's whelp followed its mother through the forest. (The young bear followed its parent.)

  • Cub (n): a broader term for the young of certain animals, including bears, lions, and foxes.

    • The lion's cub played with its siblings. (A young lion, similar in concept to a bear's cub.)
Synonyms
  • Young bear: a direct synonym referring to a bear that is not fully grown.
  • Bear offspring: a more formal term for the child of a bear.
Related Idioms

  • "like a bear's cub": Used metaphorically to describe someone who is playful, clumsy, or endearingly rough.

    • He tumbled around the room like a bear's cub, knocking over furniture. (He moved in a playful, clumsy manner.)

  • "to be as gentle as a bear's cub": A paradoxical expression suggesting surprising tenderness from a typically powerful creature.

    • Despite his size, he handled the baby as gently as a bear's cub. (He was unexpectedly tender.)
Notes
  • Usage context: "Bear's cub" is a specific term often used in wildlife descriptions, literature, or storytelling. It is less common in casual speech, where "cub" alone is preferred.
  • Etymology: "Cub" originates from Old English meaning "a young animal," and "bear" from Old English . The compound phrase emphasizes the relationship to the parent bear.