wolverine

noun

wol·​ver·​ine ˌwu̇l-və-ˈrēn How to pronounce wolverine (audio)
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
capitalized : a native or resident of Michigan
used as a nickname

Illustration of wolverine

Illustration of wolverine
  • wolverine 1a

Examples of wolverine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Several sightings of an elusive wolverine in May in California’s High Sierra sparked a flurry of excitement. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Read more Step aside, wolves: The next Colorado wildlife reintroduction could be the elusive wolverine Colorado could return another native carnivore to its mountains if state lawmakers pass a bill allowing for the reintroduction of wolverines. The Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2024 The agency said the new closure would provide refuge for wildlife like mountain goats, lynx and wolverines. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 The long slender blades, like the claws of a giant wolverine, are stacked in the port of New Bedford, ready to be barged out to sea and assembled onto turbines that believers say will help power America’s future. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Jan. 2024 In addition to caribou, the park’s many mammal species include moose, grey wolves, brown bears, wolverines, arctic foxes, snowshoe hares and muskox, which are native to Alaska. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2024 Thanks to some stellar surgery, however, the wolverine survived and, nearly two decades later, made the trip with Campbell from Ann Arbor to the 305. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The announcement comes on the heels of an ultra-successful season in which Harbaugh led the University of Michigan to their first national championship since 1997 and after a nine-year stint as the wolverines’ head coach. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024 Here's a look at some of the more notable ones: A sticker featuring a wolverine facing left with a number on it denotes a win. Kevin Skiver, Detroit Free Press, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wolverine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from wolv- (as in wolves)

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wolverine was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near wolverine

Cite this Entry

“Wolverine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wolverine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

wolverine

noun
wol·​ver·​ine ˌwu̇l-və-ˈrēn How to pronounce wolverine (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on wolverine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!