teddy

UK: ˈtɛdi | US: ˈtɛdi

Definition

  1. n. a stuffed toy bear

  2. n. (informal) short for "teddy bear"

  3. n. (historical) a type of women's undergarment in the early 20th century

Structure
Teddy <name>bear <animal>
Etymology

The word "teddy" originates from a 1902 incident where President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip. This act inspired a political cartoon, which later led to the creation of the "teddy bear" stuffed toy. The name "Teddy" became synonymous with the toy, and "teddy" alone now colloquially refers to it.

Examples

  1. She hugged her teddy tightly before going to sleep.

  2. The child refused to go anywhere without his favorite teddy.

  3. Vintage teddies from the early 1900s are now collector's items.

  4. The store sells teddies in all sizes and colors.

  5. He won a giant teddy at the carnival.