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

capitalized : 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

In this boreal forest rich with lakes and rivers in the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, caribou, wolverines, moose, and other wildlife flourish. —Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 9 June 2025

In Finland, the wolverine was classified as endangered in the 1980s. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 May 2025

Fragmentation of forests poses a particular threat for the wolverines, the researchers said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 May 2025

The smaller land sections can then be checked for wolverine footprints during winter months, and the percentage of triangles with tracks represents the region more generally, researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 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