wolf
UK: wʊlf | US: wʊlf
n. A carnivorous mammal of the dog family, known for its pack behavior and howling.
n. Figuratively, a person who is predatory, cunning, or fiercely independent.
vt. To eat greedily or voraciously (e.g., "to wolf down food").
The word "wolf" traces back to Old English wulf, derived from Proto-Germanic wulfaz, which is also the ancestor of German Wolf and Dutch wolf. Its roots extend further to Proto-Indo-European wĺ̥kʷos, shared by Latin lupus and Greek lykos. The word has remained remarkably stable in form and meaning across millennia, reflecting the animal's enduring cultural and ecological significance.
The lone wolf howled under the full moon.
She wolfed down her dinner before rushing to the meeting.
In folklore, the wolf often symbolizes both danger and loyalty.
The politician was accused of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.