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

Foxes, bobcats and coyotes can be infected with trichinosis, a parasitic infection. —Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025

Since September, North Jersey residents have had other run-ins with coyotes, plus a black bear and a fox. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

The homeowner can then be seen on the video running outside to fight off the coyote, which fled after also attacking the family's dog. —Mason Leath, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2025

They are said to possess the power to transform into wolves, coyotes or even owls, using their abilities to harm others or cause mischief. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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