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 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 City officials said Animal Services planned on setting out additional traps at the park Tuesday evening and will continue patrols to locate the coyote. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2024 In Tucson, people with dogs are attacked by javelinas every three to six months because the animal may think the dog is a coyote, Hart previously told McClatchy News. Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 2 Feb. 2024 Hunting advocates counter that the species’ resilience proves coyotes can be hunted sustainably. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024 After the bucket was removed, the coyote was assessed further, with fluids administered and x-rays taken. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2024 The coyote was captured Thursday morning by Arlington Animal Services. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2024 Young Girl Suffered 'Serious' Injuries During Coyote Attack Near Huntington Beach Pier: Police Two people in Rhode Island were also recently attacked by a coyote. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 14 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 19 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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