Definition of coyote
coyotes
orcoyote
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) ◆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.
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Recent Examples of coyote from the Web
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Brown describes his battles, at his rural house, with spiders, mice, coyotes and ticks.
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Authorities say a 5-year-old girl has received a rabies shot after being bitten by a coyote at an Arizona park.
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Authorities say a 5-year-old girl has received a rabies shot after being bitten by a coyote at an Arizona park.
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Don’t-miss exhibits include Penguin Point, home to a dozen Humboldt penguins; Grizzly Ridge, with grizzly bears, coyotes, red wolves and river otters; and Farmland, where kids can pet and feed goats and ride a train.
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Some lawmakers say House Bill 3535 is needed because the populations of feral hogs and coyotes continue to grow and create problems for landowners across the state.
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas lawmakers have approved the hunting of feral hogs and coyotes from hot air balloons.
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The red panda was created with a coyote tail and the dyed hides of fishers (a kind of weasel).
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The parks’ solution was to introduce coyotes to the area as a means of controlling the deer population.
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.
Illustration of coyote
Origin and Etymology of coyote
Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl
First Known Use: 1759
COYOTE Defined for English Language Learners
coyote
playDefinition of coyote for English Language Learners
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: a small wild animal that is related to dogs and wolves and that lives in North America
COYOTE Defined for Kids
coyote
playDefinition of coyote for Students
: a yellowish to reddish gray doglike animal chiefly of western North America that is closely related to but smaller than the wolf
Learn More about coyote
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See words that rhyme with coyote Spanish Central: Translation of coyote Nglish: Translation of coyote for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of coyote for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coyote
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