Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dancing-bear

Noun

/ˈdænsɪŋ bɛr/

Definition

A dancing bear is a bear that has been trained to perform various tricks or dances, often for entertainment purposes.

Examples

The children were delighted to see the dancing bear at the circus perform flips and twirls.
In certain cultures, dancing bears were a common sight in fairs, with trainers guiding them through their acts.

Meaning

The term originates from the practice of using bears as a form of amusement in circuses and street performances, where they are made to perform choreographed movements.