coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈō-tē How to pronounce coyote (audio)
chiefly Western
ˈkī-ˌōt How to pronounce coyote (audio)
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

Illustration of coyote
  • coyote 1

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dogs, skunks, ferrets, foxes, coyotes and even squirrels can all be affected. Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 One team shows up with 11 coyotes and eight bobcats, the most combined. Britta Lokting, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2024 Wardill notes that numerous other examples of animals collaborating across species exist, including groupers hunting with moray eels and badgers working with coyotes. Byhannah Richter, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024 Outdoor cats generally do not live as long as indoor cats and are at risk of trauma from cars, fights with other cats, free-roaming dogs, and predators, such as raccoons and coyotes. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coyote 

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coyote was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near coyote

Cite this Entry

“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

coyote

noun
plural coyotes or coyote
: a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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