Dictionary

werewolf

noun were·wolf \ˈwir-ˌwu̇lf, ˈwer-, ˈwər-\

in stories : a person who sometimes changes into a wolf especially when the moon is full

plural were·wolves \-ˌwu̇lvz\

Full Definition of WEREWOLF

: a person transformed into a wolf or capable of assuming a wolf's form

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Middle English, from Old English werwulf (akin to Old High German werwolf werewolf), from wer man + wulf wolf — more at virile, wolf

First Known Use: before 12th century

WEREWOLF Defined for Kids

noun were·wolf \ˈwer-ˌwu̇lf, ˈwər-\

plural were·wolves \-ˌwu̇lvz\

: a person in folklore who is changed or is able to change into a wolf

The modern English word werewolf came from an Old English word werwulf that was formed from wer, “man,” and wulf, “wolf.”

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