wolverine

noun

wol·​ver·​ine ˌwu̇l-və-ˈrēn 

plural wolverines

1

plural also wolverine

a

: a carnivorous usually solitary mammal (Gulo gulo) of the weasel family of northern forests and associated tundra that is dark brown with a light brown band on each side of the body and is noted for its strength

b

: the fur of the wolverine

2

Wolverine : a native or resident of Michigan

—used as a nickname

Illustration of wolverine

• wolverine 1a

Examples of wolverine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wolverines primarily scavenge carcasses in winter and prey on small mammals, such as pikas, in summer, earning them a reputation among biologists as a natural cleanup crew. —Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026

Michigan brought in five-star prospect Bryce Underwood following that season and there was no real path toward playing time for Davis, who attempted two passes during his time with the Wolverines. —Antonio Morales, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

But with Wisconsin handing the Wolverines their first loss, the Wildcats (16-0) became the easy choice at the top by earning 60 of 61 first-place votes in the latest poll. —Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026

The news release said upgrades to the enclosure included climbing structures and cold-weather features, which are key for wolverines. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from wolv- (as in wolves)

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for wolverine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

wolverine

noun

wol·​ver·​ine ˌwu̇l-və-ˈrēn 

plural wolverines also wolverine

: a mostly dark brown mammal with shaggy fur that is related to the weasels, martens, and sables, eats flesh, and is found chiefly in northern forests