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

capitalized : 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

Their explorations will include speaking with conservationists, tracking wolverines in the rugged North American backcountry, examining Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and more. —Giana Levy, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

On the smaller side, species like the river otter and mink can be found feasting on fish by the water’s edge, while lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a wolverine roaming the tundra—and these are far from the only predators that call Katmai home. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Although the chances of spotting the elusive wolverine or a mountain lion tend to be low, many other mammals make more frequent appearances in highly trafficked areas. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025

In this boreal forest rich with lakes and rivers in the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, caribou, wolverines, moose, and other wildlife flourish. —Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 9 June 2025

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