lupine

¹ American  

[loo-pin] / ˈlu pɪn /

noun

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Lupinus, of the legume family, as L. albus white lupine, of Europe, bearing edible seeds, or L. perennis, of the eastern U.S., having tall, dense clusters of blue, pink, or white flowers.

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lupine ² American  

[loo-pahyn] / ˈlu paɪn /

adjective

1. pertaining to or resembling the wolf.

2. related to the wolf.

3. savage; ravenous; predatory.

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lupine British  

/ ˈluːpaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a wolf

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lupine Scientific  

/ lo̅o̅′pīn′ /

1. Characteristic of or resembling wolves.

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Etymology

Origin of lupine¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin lupīnus, lupīnum, apparently noun use of lupīnus lupine ²; compare German wolfsbohne lupine, literally, wolf bean

Origin of lupine²

1650–60; < Latin lupīnus of a wolf, equivalent to lup ( us ) wolf + -īnus -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Also blooming now: goldfields, purple grape soda lupine and owl’s clover.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The bright yellow desert gold is currently one of the most prominent flowers on display, alongside brown-eyed primrose, grape soda lupine and desert star.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Traditional European breweries — like those run by Belgian monks hewing to centuries-old methods — retain the fruity signature of yeast in its untamed, lupine form, he said.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

Prairie lupine sprouted from remnant roots and prospered, improving the soil in the area for other plants.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2023

“Fairy gowns and suits shimmer like the wings of dragonflies. Fairies drink from cups the shape of lupine bells. Fountains of juice and nectar of all different colors fill their cups.”

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera