wolverine

American  

[wool-vuh-reen, wool-vuh-reen] / ˌwʊl vəˈrin, ˈwʊl vəˌrin /

noun

1. Also called carcajou.  a stocky, carnivorous North American mammal, Gulo luscus, of the weasel family, having blackish, shaggy hair with white markings.

2. (initial capital letter) a native or inhabitant of Michigan (the Wolverine State) (used as a nickname).

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wolverine British  

/ ˈwʊlvəˌriːn /

noun

1. Also called: glutton.  a large musteline mammal, Gulo gulo, of northern forests of Eurasia and North America having dark very thick water-resistant fur

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Etymology

Origin of wolverine

1565–75; alteration of earlier wolvering (with -ine ² for -ing ³ ), obscure derivative of wolf

Explanation

A wolverine is a strong little animal, the largest member of the weasel family. You're most likely to see a wolverine if you go hiking in Alaska. Although they’re cute, don’t try to pet one. They are not cuddly. Wolverines are related to otters and badgers, but they're known as the fiercest weasels, able to fight and kill animals much larger than they are. Wolverines are dense and covered with shaggy fur, and because they resemble little bears — and mark their territories with a strong scent — they're sometimes called skunk bears. They weigh about 50 pounds. Wolverine was originally wolvering, which may come from the plural form of wolf, wolves, or possibly from wolver, "one who behaves like a wolf."

Example Sentences

Without those exemptions, fuels-reduction projects that protect wolverine habitat from catastrophic fire would grind to a halt, directly threatening the species.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

At the Napa County home, full-body taxidermied mountain lions and a wolverine were discovered, the agency said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

"I saw the wolverine picture on the surface and I thought it was going to be in the cave and eat us."

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

“So basically I’m translocating and releasing a wolverine that otherwise would have been a hat,” Garcelon said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2024

The wolverine was built low to the ground, and his powerful front feet were almost as big as a man’s hand.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George