English Reference
noun · verb

wolf

n. · v.
US /ˈwʊɫf/ UK /wˈʊlf/ wolf UK spelling wolfed, wolfs

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a large wild animal that looks like a dog and lives in a group called a pack.

    n.a large carnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, typically hunting in packs.

    Simple

    The hikers heard a wolf howling in the distance during the night.

    In context

    Conservationists are monitoring the reintroduction of the grey wolf to the national park to see how it affects the local deer population.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.a man who frequently tries to start romantic or sexual relationships with many different women.

    n.a man who habitually makes amorous advances to many women, often with predatory or superficial intent.

    Simple

    He has a reputation for being a bit of a wolf at office parties.

    In context

    The protagonist is portrayed as a charming wolf who uses his social status to manipulate those around him.

    womanizerphilanderer
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    n.a harsh or unpleasant sound made by a musical instrument.

    n.a harsh, jarring vibration or 'wolf tone' produced by a stringed instrument when a played note matches the natural frequency of the instrument's body.

    Simple

    The cellist used a small brass device to stop the wolf on the F-sharp string.

    In context

    Luthiers often struggle to eliminate the wolf in high-quality cellos without dampening the instrument's overall resonance.

    wolf tonedissonance
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to eat something very quickly because you are very hungry.

    v.to consume food greedily or voraciously; often used with the particle 'down'.

    Simple

    The hungry teenagers wolfed down the entire pizza in five minutes.

    In context

    After a long day of hiking without rations, the group wolfed down their dinner with little regard for table manners.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrasal verb form 'wolf down'.

    devourgulpgobble

Etymology 1

From wolf.

Etymology 2

From Middle English and German short forms of given names containing the Germanic element "wolf".

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated