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

We are constantly threatened by dogs, coyotes, snakes, owls, hawks…and worst of all…you. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025

Hermann Nitsch crucified lambs and bulls, and Joseph Beuys attempted cohabitation with a coyote. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025

Much like our Grand Canyon guide, the one who stopped to give an offering to the coyote who led the way, Marble Canyon Lodge, through impassioned relationships and place-making art and design, gives thanks to the Indigenous communities who have always led the way. —Matt Kirouac, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025

Extra care should be taken with pets at night, when coyotes are the most likely to roam, according to guidelines from the Wisconsin Humane Society. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 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