coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈō-tē 

chiefly Western

ˈkī-ˌōt 

plural coyotes or coyote

1

: a buff-gray to reddish-gray swift carnivorous mammal (Canis latrans) of North America that is closely related to but smaller than the wolf, has a narrow pointed muzzle and triangular ears, hunts singly or in small groups, and is known for its various distinctive vocalizations (such as barks, yips, and howls)

Note: The coyote is often considered a threat to livestock. Despite being hunted and trapped, the coyote has expanded its original range and is found in all states except Hawaii.

2

slang : one who smuggles immigrants into the U.S.

Illustration of coyote

• coyote 1

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In these areas, coyotes and mountain lions are a mule deer’s primary predators. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026

The fall time is typically the time to watch out for animals like deer and coyotes. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

And the coyote isn’t a top threat to the species in this unforgiving world. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

The county health department is also continuing to distribute oral rabies vaccines as part of efforts to control the spread of rabies among wildlife, including raccoons and coyotes. — Ashley Paul, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coyote

• brodie
• dhoti
• doty
• roti
• throaty
• quixote

Kids Definition

coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈōt-ē  ˈkī-ˌōt 

plural coyotes or coyote

: a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf