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

Wicker had a close look at those Wolverines. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Olson went 7 of 11 from the field for the Wolverines, who shot 44%. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

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

Olson is now the Wolverines’ leading scorer and rebounder, despite nominally playing guard. —Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Mar. 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