wolf
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for wolf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large wild canine, Canis lupus, that lives and hunts in packs.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use wolf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English wulf, from a very old Germanic root shared with words across the Indo-European family, including Latin lupus and Ancient Greek λύκος (lykos) — both also meaning "wolf".
Full origin of wolf →Frequently asked questions
What does “wolf” mean?
The word “wolf” means a large wild canine, Canis lupus, that lives and hunts in packs. In plain terms, the wild predator, or (as a verb) eating something fast and greedily.
How do you pronounce “wolf”?
“Wolf” is pronounced wuulf (/wʊlf/ in IPA).
How do you use “wolf” in a sentence?
Here is “wolf” used in a sentence: “He had a reputation as a wolf at parties.”
What is another word for “wolf”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wolf” include loafer, lobo, lofer, lover and loper.
What part of speech is “wolf”?
Depending on how it is used, “wolf” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wolf” come from?
The word “wolf” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old English wulf, from a very old Germanic root shared with words across the Indo-European family, including Latin lupus and Ancient Greek λύκος (lykos) — both also meaning "wolf".
Is “wolf” a common word?
“Wolf” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “wolf” have?
“Wolf” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large wild canine, Canis lupus, that lives and hunts in packs.
What is the plural of "wolf"?
The plural of "wolf" is "wolves," formed by changing the "-f" to "-ves." This follows the same pattern as "half/halves" and "shelf/shelves."
What is the difference between a "wolf" and a "coyote"?
Both are wild members of the dog family, but a wolf (Canis lupus) is generally larger and heavier and hunts in organized packs, while a coyote is smaller, more slender, and often hunts alone or in pairs. Wolves also tend to have a broader muzzle and shorter ears.
What are common expressions using "wolf"?
Idioms include "a wolf in sheep's clothing" (a danger disguised as harmless), "cry wolf" (to raise a false alarm), "lone wolf" (someone who acts alone), and "keep the wolf from the door" (to stave off hunger or poverty).