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

As members of the canid family, foxes are related to dogs, coyotes, and wolves. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

Now, more than 150 species of plants — including native varieties supporting hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators — as well as 22 species of raptors, bobcats, coyotes, deer and fox, and rare types of birds and amphibians thrive at the nature sanctuary the couple has created. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Wildlife killed include moose, deer, black bears, elk, mountain lions, raccoons, hawks, coyotes, porcupines, red foxes, bobcats, owls, rabbits, Canadian geese, beavers and badgers. —Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

In 2024, the database also includes planes colliding with three alligators in Florida, a mongoose in Hawaii, a badger in North Dakota and numerous coyotes, bats, skunks and opossums. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 25 July 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