sun bear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific, General
Quick answer
What does “sun bear” mean?
A small, arboreal bear species (Helarctos malayanus) native to Southeast Asia, characterized by a distinctive orange or cream-colored chest patch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, arboreal bear species (Helarctos malayanus) native to Southeast Asia, characterized by a distinctive orange or cream-colored chest patch.
The smallest extant bear species, known for its sleek black fur, long tongue, and primarily nocturnal, insectivorous diet. It is also referred to as the 'honey bear' due to its fondness for honey.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Identical; evokes images of a specific, exotic wildlife species.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in zoological, conservation, or wildlife documentary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sun bear” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] sun bear [VERB] in the forest.We saw a sun bear [VERB-ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sun bear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
American English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism (e.g., 'wildlife tours featuring the sun bear') or conservation fundraising.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and conservation science papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife, nature documentaries, or visits to zoos.
Technical
The standard taxonomic name for the species in wildlife management and ecological research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sun bear”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sun bear”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sun bear”
- Confusing it with the 'spectacled bear' of South America.
- Using 'sunbear' as one word (standard is two words: 'sun bear').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are wild animals and can be dangerous if threatened, but they are generally shy and avoid human contact.
They are omnivores with a diet primarily consisting of insects, fruits, small vertebrates, and honey.
In their natural habitat in Southeast Asian rainforests or in zoos with specialised wildlife programmes.
Main threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal wildlife trade for traditional medicine and pets.
A small, arboreal bear species (Helarctos malayanus) native to Southeast Asia, characterized by a distinctive orange or cream-colored chest patch.
Sun bear is usually technical/scientific, general in register.
Sun bear: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn ˌbeə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn ˌber/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bear with a bright sun painted on its chest, sitting in a tropical forest.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUN BEAR IS A FOREST DWELLER; THE SUN BEAR IS A VULNERABLE SPECIES.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the sun bear's name?