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Definition of spectacled bear
spectacled bear
Plural:spectacled bears
spectacled bear Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A relatively small, arboreal species of bear native to the Andes Mountains and surrounding cloud forests of South America, easily distinguished by the characteristic light-colored markings around its eyes and across its chest.
Example
"During our biological survey in the Andean cloud forest, we were lucky enough to spot a spectacled bear foraging for bromeliads high in the canopy."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for the light-colored, yellowish or whitish rings of fur around its eyes, which often resemble a pair of spectacles (eyeglasses). It is the only surviving species of bear native to South America and the last remaining short-faced bear.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spectacled bear. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spectacled bear