grizzly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal for the animal in zoology/nature contexts; informal in metaphorical/extended use.
Quick answer
What does “grizzly” mean?
A large brown bear native to North America, specifically the subspecies Ursus arctos horribilis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large brown bear native to North America, specifically the subspecies Ursus arctos horribilis.
The primary use refers to the bear. It can also mean "grayish" or "streaked with gray" (chiefly in the form "grizzled"), and it is used colloquially to describe something dangerous or intimidating (by analogy to the bear).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it primarily for the bear. The animal is native to North America, so the term is more frequent in North American contexts (US/Canada). British usage is largely in media/documentaries.
Connotations
In US contexts, it carries strong connotations of the wilderness, danger, and iconic North American fauna. In UK contexts, it's more of an exotic/wildlife term.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the bear's habitat.
Grammar
How to Use “grizzly” in a Sentence
[ADJ] bearThe [N] attacked.a [N] of a problem (metaphorical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grizzly” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a grizzled beard, not a grizzly one. (Note: 'grizzled' is preferred.)
American English
- The old prospector's grizzled face was a map of hard years. (Note: 'grizzled' is preferred.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a formidable competitor or a major risk: 'The new market entrant is a real grizzly.'
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and conservation studies.
Everyday
Primarily in discussions about nature, wildlife, hiking safety, or documentaries.
Technical
Zoological classification, wildlife management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grizzly”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grizzly”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grizzly”
- Using 'grizzly' to mean 'grisly' (horrible).
- Using 'grizzly' as the standard adjective for gray hair (should be 'grizzled').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Grizzly' primarily refers to the bear or means grayish ('grizzled'). 'Grisly' means causing horror or revulsion, as in a 'grisly murder'. They are often confused.
No, 'grizzly' is not used as a verb. The related term 'grizzled' is an adjective.
Wild grizzly bears are found primarily in Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the northwestern United States (e.g., Montana, Wyoming).
Yes, metaphorically, to describe someone as dangerous, formidable, or intimidating, e.g., 'He's a grizzly on the negotiation floor.' The adjective 'grizzled' describes someone with gray hair.
A large brown bear native to North America, specifically the subspecies Ursus arctos horribilis.
Grizzly is usually formal for the animal in zoology/nature contexts; informal in metaphorical/extended use. in register.
Grizzly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɪzli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɪzli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a grizzly with a sore head (UK variant of 'like a bear with a sore head')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GRIZZLY sounds like GRISTLY (tough, chewy) – both describe something tough and formidable.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GRIZZLY IS A DANGEROUS FORCE / A GRIZZLY IS AN UNPREDICTABLE THREAT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern meaning of 'grizzly'?