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

An important part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, elk account for approximately 85% of winter wolf kills and are an important food source for bears, mountain lions and at least 12 scavenger species, including bald eagles and coyotes, NPS says. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

His yard now attracts wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote. —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025

Starkey and state wildlife officials emphasized the important role snakes play in the environment — both as predators and as prey for hawks, coyotes and other wild animals. —Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Filled with scenes of rivers, cactus and coyotes, the song’s message becomes clear, a keen lesson that sometimes the journey is the reward. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 18 Aug. 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