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

Canada lynxes, grizzly bears, North American wolverines and Northern Idaho ground squirrels also have threatened status under federal law. —Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2026

Was highly productive for the Wolverines, especially after specializing on the edge. —Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Wolverines forward Will Horcoff stood in his path like a second baseman waiting to tag him out. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026

What was significant about the Wolverines’ starting five? —Melinda Yao, NBC news, 11 Apr. 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