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

One example is the wolverine, an endangered species that requires deep snow for denning over the winter. —Adrienne Marshall, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025

During the 20-minute session, Cathy Collison, coordinator of News for Young Readers, and Wayne Kamidoi, sports design director, were casting about for an animal other than a wolverine. —Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 26 Nov. 2025

According to Humane World for Animals, over 100 vulnerable species, including grizzly bears, wolverines, and some wolf species, are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025

But environmentalists warned the changes could cause yearslong delays in efforts to save species such as the monarch butterfly, the Florida manatee, the California spotted owl and the North American wolverine. —David Douglas, NBC news, 20 Nov. 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