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

Cantil set up a low-tech camera and caught his first animal on it, a wolverine, fueling a passion that led to the creation of the Facebook page in 2017. —CBS News, 12 Oct. 2024

The state plan also calls for compensating ranchers if wolverines attack their livestock. —Christine Peterson, Vox, 5 Aug. 2024

If Colorado’s wolverine restoration moves forward, the plan calls for rehoming ideally up to 45 wolverines — 30 females and 15 males — from Canada and Alaska. —Christine Peterson, Vox, 5 Aug. 2024

The ravens would circle, the wolverine would lumber through the spruce, the foxes and wolves would trot down the river, frosted snouts high in the air. —Diana Saverin, Longreads, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from wolv- (as in wolves)

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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