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

Residents should call Animal Control or authorities if coyotes exhibit concerning behavior like approaching pets, following people or not running off when harassed. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026

That’s how coyote hunting on the big lake goes. —David Zeug, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026

According to the San Diego Humane Society, the organization started caring for the orange feline over six months ago after Kyle miraculously survived a coyote attack. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

The Urban Coyote Research Project released an article detailing how to prevent conflict with coyotes, noting the importance of coexistence in non-threatening situations. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 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