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

Eight seconds later, Iribarne made the first of two free throws to complete the Wolverines’ scoring. —Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

If successful, the agency hopes to establish a self-sustaining wolverine population in a place where the species once thrived at a time when fewer places in the country are still cold and remote enough to support it. —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

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