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

The hunt had 83 teams last year and usually can range from 70 to around 100 coyotes killed per year. —Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Dec. 2025

Spokesperson Cort Klopping said DNA from the coyote matched the DNA of the animal that attacked the children. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025

Identifying Foxes As members of the canid family, foxes are related to dogs, coyotes, and wolves. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

Haunting last scene with Cami and the coyotes wailing in grief. —William Earl, Variety, 30 Nov. 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