How Do You Spell WOLF?

Pronunciation: [wˈʊlf] (IPA)

The word "wolf" is spelled with four letters, but the way it is pronounced can be tricky. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is transcribed as /wʊlf/. The "w" represents the voiced velar approximant, which is followed by the short "u" sound. Then comes the unvoiced dental fricative represented by the letter "f". The spelling of "wolf" reflects the Old English origins of the word, which was spelled "wulf". Despite this spelling difference, the pronunciation has remained largely the same throughout history.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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WOLF Meaning and Definition

  1. Wolf (noun):

    1. A carnivorous mammal of the canine family (Canidae), primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, known for its distinctive howl and highly-developed social structure. Wolves are known for their agility, keen senses, and remarkable hunting abilities. They usually have a bushy tail, a long body, prominent jaws, and sharp teeth, which they use to capture and consume prey. Wolves are renowned for their powerful pack mentality and hierarchical structure, led by an alpha male and female.

    2. A person with predatory or ferocious characteristics; someone who is ruthless, cunning, or aggressive in their pursuit of power or success. It is a metaphorical usage derived from the predatory nature of actual wolves. This term is commonly used in contexts to describe individuals who exploit or dominate others, often within competitive environments.

    3. A term used in folklore, mythology, and literature to represent a symbol of darkness, danger, or evil, often associated with their nocturnal nature, stealthy movements, and sometimes exaggerated predatory abilities. Wolves have featured prominently in various cultures' folklore as both ominous creatures and symbols of loyalty, strength, and guardianship.

    4. A verb used informally, primarily in British English, meaning to eat or consume food quickly and ravenously. This usage is derived from the behavior of wolves, who often consume their prey in a frenzied and voracious manner.

    5. In technology and computer science, a term indicating a commonly-used code name for a software testing or experimental release, used before its official release or public availability.

  2. A fierce beast of prey of the dog king; anything ravenous and destructive; a small white worm in feasting granaries.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WOLF *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WOLF

Etymology of WOLF

The word "wolf" has its origins in Old English. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "wulfaz" which means "wolf". This word is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wĺ̥kʷos", which also gave rise to similar words in other Indo-European languages. This root is associated with the notion of a wild animal and has cognates in languages such as Latin ("lupus"), Greek ("lukos"), and Sanskrit ("vṛkaḥ"). Over time, the word "wolf" has remained relatively consistent across various Germanic languages.

Idioms with the word WOLF

  • buy sm's wolf ticket The idiom "buy someone's wolf ticket" means to be deceived or tricked by someone's false or empty threats or promises. It implies that the person being deceived blindly believes or falls for the dishonest or untruthful statements or declarations made by someone else.
  • wolf in sheep's clothing The idiom "wolf in sheep's clothing" refers to a person or thing that appears harmless, gentle, or innocent outwardly, but conceals malicious, cunning, or harmful intentions or characteristics underneath. It implies that something or someone is deceptively dangerous or deceptive.
  • buy wolf tickets The idiom "buy wolf tickets" means to believe false or exaggerated claims, promises, or threats. It is often used when someone is attempting to manipulate or deceive others by presenting an intimidating or dangerous façade that is not actually real. It can also refer to falling for empty or meaningless talk or being tricked into accepting something that ultimately proves to be worthless.
  • a wolf whistle The idiom "a wolf whistle" refers to an audible appreciation or admiration expressed by whistling, usually by men, towards an attractive or alluring person, typically a woman. It is often accompanied by suggestive or provocative behavior. The term originates from the behavior of wolves, which are known to howl or whistle in response to something they find desirable or appealing.
  • have a/the wolf by the ear(s) The idiom "have a/the wolf by the ear(s)" refers to being in a difficult or precarious situation where one is both afraid to let go and unable to maintain control. It conveys the notion of being trapped or caught in a predicament that presents risks and challenges no matter how one chooses to address it.
  • keep the wolf from the door The idiom "keep the wolf from the door" means to prevent extreme poverty or hunger, usually by having enough money to meet basic needs and avoid starvation. It refers to the idea of fending off an imminent threat of destitution, similar to keeping a hungry wolf away.
  • hold a wolf by the ears The idiom "hold a wolf by the ears" means to be in a situation where one is in control but also unable to let go or maintain control. It refers to a dilemma where one has difficulty handling a situation but is equally unable to release or solve it.
  • A growing youth has a wolf in his belly. The idiom "A growing youth has a wolf in his belly" typically refers to the insatiable hunger or appetite experienced by adolescents or young people who are going through their growth spurt or puberty. It implies that during this phase, youngsters have a constant desire for food or a voracious appetite, symbolically likened to having a wolf inside them that needs to be satisfied.
  • wolf at the door The idiom "wolf at the door" refers to a situation where someone or something is facing severe financial hardship or extreme poverty. It describes a continuous and threatening presence of financial struggle and the imminent danger of poverty or destitution.
  • a wolf in sheep's clothing The idiom "a wolf in sheep's clothing" refers to a person or thing that appears harmless, kind, or innocent on the surface, but underneath, has hidden malevolent intentions or is actually dangerous or deceitful.
  • buy (a/one's) wolf ticket The idiom "buy (a/one's) wolf ticket" means to be deceived or fooled by someone's false claims or promises. It suggests that the person has been convinced or persuaded to believe something that turns out to be untrue or unrealistic.
  • between dog and wolf The idiom "between dog and wolf" refers to the time of day, usually twilight or dusk when it is difficult to distinguish between a domesticated dog and a wild wolf. Figuratively, it describes a time or situation that is unclear, uncertain, or ambiguous, often referring to the transition between darkness and light, safety and danger, or good and evil.
  • buy wolf ticket The idiom "buy wolf ticket" typically means to be deceived or tricked into believing something that is not true or realistic. It suggests falling for a false or exaggerated claim or story, similar to believing that a wolf ticket (a ticket for viewing a wolf) can actually provide an authentic or dangerous experience.
  • a wolf in sheep’s clothing The idiom "a wolf in sheep's clothing" refers to someone who appears gentle, innocent, or harmless from their outward appearance but is, in reality, dangerous, deceitful, or malicious. It implies that the person's true intentions or nature are concealed behind a friendly or trustworthy façade.
  • The wolf is at the door. The idiom "The wolf is at the door" refers to a situation where someone is in imminent danger or facing a severe threat or crisis, typically in a financial sense. It suggests that the person or organization is on the brink of ruin or facing a desperate situation that requires immediate action or resolution.
  • a lone wolf The idiom "a lone wolf" refers to an individual who prefers to work, act, or live independently, without seeking assistance or company from others. It describes someone who tends to operate outside the collective or is self-reliant, often breaking away from group dynamics or societal norms.
  • have a wolf by the ears The idiom "have a wolf by the ears" means being in a difficult or dangerous situation where both holding onto and letting go pose risks or consequences. It typically conveys the idea that the person is caught in a predicament where any action they take could result in negative outcomes.
  • wolf sth down The idiom "wolf something down" means to eat food or consume something quickly and eagerly, often with little regard for manners or proper chewing. It implies a sense of devouring the food like a hungry or ravenous wolf, without taking the time to savor or appreciate it.
  • cry wolf The idiom "cry wolf" refers to a situation where someone repeatedly raises false alarms or alerts, making it difficult for others to believe or take their warnings seriously when a genuine situation arises. It originates from the Aesop's fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," where a boy repeatedly tricks the nearby villagers by falsely claiming that a wolf is attacking the sheep, causing them to come running for help. However, when a wolf actually comes, the boy's repeated false alarms lead to no one responding, and he faces the consequences of his dishonesty. Thus, "cry wolf" is used to caution against habitually making false claims or exaggerating situations, resulting in diminished credibility when a real problem occurs.
  • cut wolf loose
  • cut one's wolf loose
  • growing youth has a wolf in his belly
  • put (one's) head in the wolf's mouth To knowingly put oneself in a dangerous or risky situation.
  • fine wolf The idiom "fine wolf" can refer to someone who appears to be harmless or innocent on the outside, but is actually cunning or deceitful. It can also describe someone who is skilled at hiding their true intentions or motives.
  • cut one’s wolf loose To act without restraint; to allow one's wild or aggressive instincts or behavior to come out.

Similar spelling words for WOLF

Plural form of WOLF is WOLVES

Conjugate verb Wolf

CONDITIONAL

I would wolf
you would wolf
he/she/it would wolf
we would wolf
they would wolf

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be wolfing
you would be wolfing
he/she/it would be wolfing
we would be wolfing
they would be wolfing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have wolf
you would have wolf
he/she/it would have wolf
we would have wolf
they would have wolf

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been wolfing
you would have been wolfing
he/she/it would have been wolfing
we would have been wolfing
they would have been wolfing

FUTURE

I will wolf
you will wolf
he/she/it will wolf
we will wolf
they will wolf

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be wolfing
you will be wolfing
he/she/it will be wolfing
we will be wolfing
they will be wolfing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have wolfed
you will have wolfed
he/she/it will have wolfed
we will have wolfed
they will have wolfed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been wolfing
you will have been wolfing
he/she/it will have been wolfing
we will have been wolfing
they will have been wolfing

IMPERATIVE

you wolf
we let´s wolf

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to wolf

PAST

I wolfed
you wolfed
he/she/it wolfed
we wolfed
they wolfed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was wolfing
you were wolfing
he/she/it was wolfing
we were wolfing
they were wolfing

PAST PARTICIPLE

wolfed

PAST PERFECT

I had wolfed
you had wolfed
he/she/it had wolfed
we had wolfed
they had wolfed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been wolfing
you had been wolfing
he/she/it had been wolfing
we had been wolfing
they had been wolfing

PRESENT

I wolf
you wolf
he/she/it wolfs
we wolf
they wolf

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am wolfing
you are wolfing
he/she/it is wolfing
we are wolfing
they are wolfing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

wolfing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have wolfed
you have wolfed
he/she/it has wolfed
we have wolfed
they have wolfed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been wolfing
you have been wolfing
he/she/it has been wolfing
we have been wolfing
they have been wolfing
I would have wolfed
we would have wolfed
you would have wolfed
he/she/it would have wolfed
they would have wolfed

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Correct spelling for wolf
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