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

In other parts of the country, coyote pupping season can last through mid-May. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026

Kathy Garza-Behr, a spokesperson for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, reportedly said the coyotes appear to have been shot. —Michael Guise, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026

Amaze your kids by showing them what giants used to call Fremont home, long before boring-by-comparison coyotes and raccoons. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

Deep canyons are best left to the raccoons and coyotes that call them home. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 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