wolf

¹wolf

noun, often attributive \ˈwu̇lf\

plural wolves\ˈwu̇lvz\

Definition of WOLF

1

plural also wolf a : any of several large predatory canids (genus Canis) that live and hunt in packs and resemble the related dogs; especially : gray wolf — compare coyote, jackal b : the fur of a wolf

2

a (1) : a fierce, rapacious, or destructive person (2) : a man forward, direct, and zealous in amatory attentions to women b : dire poverty : starvation <keep the wolf from the door> c : the maggot of a warble fly

3

[German; from the howling sound] a (1) : dissonance in some chords on organs, pianos, or other instruments with fixed tones tuned by unequal temperament (2) : an instance of such dissonance b : a harshness due to faulty vibration in various tones in a bowed instrument

— wolf·like \ˈwu̇lf-ˌlīk\ adjective

— wolf in sheep's clothing

: one who cloaks a hostile intention with a friendly manner

Examples of WOLF

1. <she threatened to geld the wolf if he didn't stop making passes at her>
2. <no sooner had the lottery winner's name been made public than the wolves with their investment schemes showed up on her doorstep>

Origin of WOLF

Middle English, from Old English wulf; akin to Old High German wolf wolf, Latin lupus, Greek lykos

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WOLF

Synonyms: Casanova, lecher, lothario, lounge lizard, masher, philanderer, satyr, Don Juan, womanizer

Antonyms: prey

Related Words: amorist, gallant, ladies' man (also lady's man), lady-killer, lover, paramour, Romeo; debaucher, romancer, seducer; whoremaster, whoremonger

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole