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

Starting in January, Woolrich will no longer use fur, including coyote and raccoon dog, in collections manufactured and sold in Europe. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

The park has a wide variety of birds, Harding said, as well as coyotes, foxes and aquatic animals such as frogs and turtles. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

There is a photo of vivid bougainvillea and coyotes near her house in Los Angeles. — Amy Verner, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026

And, of course, action abounds, culminating in an elaborate climactic battle sequence in which Alexandra’s coyote forces are commanded by the rabidly loyal Maksim, memorably voiced by Tom Waits. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

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