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

Wolverines coach Riki Smith told the Sentinel on Thursday that his school would likely jump at the chance to participate in independent division football playoffs. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

That blemish fully emerged as a storyline coming out of the Spartans’ 83-71 loss to Michigan last weekend, with Wolverines coach Dusty May calling it out. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026

The ball pressure was relentless and sped up the Wolverines. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

Jayson Thomas Chen and Oliver Chen, Reid Romans and Friedman have been vital pieces for the Wolverines, who are trying to win their third Mission League title in four years. —Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 29 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