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

Embark's DNA tests screens for more than 400 breeds of dog, including wild animals such as dingoes, coyotes, wolves and village dogs, helping owners of mixed breeds understand their pet's ancestry. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025

The virus most commonly spreads among wild birds but can also infect poultry, livestock and other mammals, including goats, coyotes and opossums. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

One coyote turned around and showed me its teeth and a death stare. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025

For example, the genus Canis includes wolves, dogs, coyotes and jackals. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 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