coyote

noun

coy·ote | \ kī-ˈō-tē

, chiefly Western ˈkī-ˌōt

plural coyotes or coyote

Definition of 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.

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities are concerned about the aggressiveness of the coyotes, which are normally reclusive. — Maria Carter, Country Living, "This Town Just Had Its Fourth Coyote Attack In a Single Month," 11 July 2015 Some of the themes completed or in progress depict wild animals such as coyotes and rabbits, cactus, mountains covered with rocks, and books. — Julie Gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Murals come a long way under Elaine Lyttleton's watch," 1 June 2018 Named for their ability to leap like kangaroos, the rats are key species in arid areas across western North America, dispersing seeds and feeding predators such as coyotes and foxes. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Supposedly extinct kangaroo rat resurfaces after 30 years," 30 Apr. 2018 Fuentes creates sculptures of armadillos, giraffes, cats, coyotes and other animals using simple hand tools and a piece of wood. — Courant Community, "Community News For The East Hartford Edition," 17 Apr. 2018 His poems casually quote Lucretius or Marcus Aurelius while touching on wind and water, woods and bonfires, coyotes and storms. — Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Wild is the Wind' explores those things made all the more beautiful because they can’t last," 6 Apr. 2018 The viral, sometimes fatal, disease typically infects unvaccinated domestic dogs but can also infect foxes, coyotes and skunks. — The Washington Post, OregonLive.com, "'Zombie Raccoon' disease does not affect humans, says ODFW," 5 Apr. 2018 The viral, sometimes fatal, disease typically infects unvaccinated domestic dogs but can also infect foxes, coyotes and skunks. — Greg Larose, NOLA.com, "Zombie raccoons, standing with teeth bared, are startling," 5 Apr. 2018 Moriarty believes the coyote, enticed by her cat, managed to get through her back door. — Jennifer Earl, Fox News, "Oklahoma woman mistakes coyote for dog, awakes to wild animal in bedroom: 'He lunged at the door'," 12 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coyote.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.