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

Examples of mule deer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By comparison mule deer, the primary natural prey for wolves in California, appeared in 45% of samples, and small mammals appeared in 51% of samples. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The following year, mule deer, wolves’ more traditional prey, showed up in 55% of scat but made up only 15% of their total diet, the study showed. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

The sable is in size about midway between a mule deer and an elk. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

The 83,368-acre Cielo Vista Ranch in the San Luis Valley provides significant habitat for wildlife like elk and mule deer, according to the report. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mule deer

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

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