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

Mara, a 7-foot-3 center, stepped outside for one of the Wolverines’ 10 3-pointers. —Jay Cohen, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026

He was hired to replace Howard after the Wolverines’ 8-24 season in 2023-24, and completely turned the program around. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

In a turnabout-is-fair-play moment, a Sparty fan showed during a break of the Wolverines’ game was treated with equal disdain. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026

The traps on the Wolverines’ ballhandlers forced them into turnovers and more opportunities for Sierra Canyon on the offensive end. —Dan Rios, Daily News, 11 Mar. 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