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

So, with that in mind … Aliso Niguel senior guard Jayden Mysin, the team’s leader all season, scored 18 points with two 3-point shots and six rebounds in the Wolverines’ 65-58 loss to Murrieta Mesa in the Division 3 final. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026

Junior guard Pierce Thopmson had 15 points and made some vital shots for the Wolverines. —Dan Rios, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026

Chaparral’s four forces A look at the four players driving the Wolverines’ state title push in the Class 6A state tournament. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026

Specifically, he’s been lauded this week for his late-game offensive coaching against the Wolverines. —Brendan Marks, New York Times, 26 Feb. 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