mule deer

noun

: a long-eared deer (Odocoileus hemionus) of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

Illustration of mule deer

Illustration of mule deer

Examples of mule deer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Researchers say the structure will benefit a wide range of species that move through the region, including gray wolves, elk, mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 First, three mule deer were the first animals to walk over California’s first wildlife crossing over State Route 97 in Siskiyou County. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Units 1, 5, 11 – 13, 20, and 25 are specifically noted as units where hunters may take mule deer. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026 New wildlife corridors will especially help struggling herd populations like the Western Slope mule deer, the organization added. Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mule deer

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mule deer was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Mule deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule%20deer. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

mule deer

noun
: a long-eared deer of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

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