noun

aardwolf

ARD-wulf

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Aardwolf (noun) means a nocturnal, striped, hyena-like mammal of eastern and southern Africa that feeds on insects. Example: “The aardwolf spends its days resting underground and comes out at night.”

noun

A nocturnal, striped, hyena-like mammal of eastern and southern Africa that feeds on insects.

"The aardwolf spends its days resting underground and comes out at night."

"We were told that an aardwolf had been seen near the reserve after dark."

"The aardwolf looks like a small hyena with a mane along its back."

How to use aardwolf

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA striped, hyena-like animal from Africa that is active at night and eats insects.

When to use it

It is a zoological term, used in wildlife writing and natural history.

Memory tip

Say the first part so it rhymes with 'card' or 'yard', then say 'wolf' like the ordinary English word, and remember the plural changes to aardwolves.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ spends its days resting underground and comes out at night.

Etymology

English borrowed the word from South African Dutch, where it combines aard, meaning earth, with wolf. The name probably alludes to the animal spending daylight hours in underground burrows.

Origin: South African Dutch

Synonyms

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civet hyena termite-eating hyena

Frequently asked questions

What is an aardwolf?

An aardwolf is a nocturnal mammal from eastern and southern Africa. It has yellowish fur with black vertical stripes and a mane down its neck and back.

Is an aardwolf a wolf?

No. Despite the name, it belongs to the hyena family and looks a little like one.

What is the plural of aardwolf?

The usual plural is aardwolves. Aardwolfs is also recorded but is rare.

What is the meaning of aardwolf?

"aardwolf" (noun) means a nocturnal, striped, hyena-like mammal of eastern and southern Africa that feeds on insects.