coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈō-tē How to pronounce coyote (audio)
chiefly Western
ˈkī-ˌōt How to pronounce coyote (audio)
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

Illustration of coyote
  • coyote 1

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This gentle lamb was abandoned by its mother, who went into premature labor during a coyote attack. Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024 His conclusion: the quiet season would have no impact on the coyote population or the populations of their prey, like deer, and would have a minimal impact on coyote-hunting opportunities. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024 Is Joshua Tree’s famed three-legged coyote being loved to death? Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Rodents, which are a coyote’s natural prey, are attracted to birdseed. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 The Curb boss does share, however, that the plotline of Jeff (Jeff Garlin) thinking his dog was being eaten by a coyote and continuing to play golf does have Hollywood roots. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2024 Arlington Animal Services set a trap and patrolled the park, but was not able to catch the coyote. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2024 Wolves like Asha wandering north also will not find other Mexican wolves to mate with and could encounter and breed with dogs, coyotes or northern gray wolves recently released in Colorado. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024 In the United States and Canada, the only mammals that have gotten the disease — such as foxes, skunks, coyotes and bears — are those known to scavenge on dead birds. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coyote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coyote was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near coyote

Cite this Entry

“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

coyote

noun
plural coyotes or coyote
: a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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