dire wolf

plural dire wolves · alternative direwolf

1. An extinct canine (†Aenocyon dirus) from the Pleistocene epoch, heavier and slightly larger than the modern grey wolf.

   1 more example

   Colossal scientists have created three dire wolf pups by using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology to alter the genes of a gray wolf, the prehistoric dire wolf’s closest living relative, the company announced Monday. […] The three dire wolves are living on a 2,000-acre site at an undisclosed location enclosed by 10-foot-tall (3-meter-tall) “zoo-grade” fencing, where they are monitored by security personnel, drones and live camera feeds.

   2025 April 7, Katie Hunt, “Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf”, in CNN, Atlanta, Ga.: Warner Bros. Discovery, archived from the original on 08 Apr 2025

2. fantasySynonym of warg (“type of wolf”).

   Synonyms: warg