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

Sometimes, this adaptation is self-directed, as in the case of rodents or coyotes attracted to human food stores. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

Georgia and North Carolina also rope off breeding sites along with trapping and euthanizing predators such as foxes, raccoons and coyotes during breeding season. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

The Threat Of Humans While the sea turtle nests on nearby undeveloped barrier islands face threats from predators such as wild boars, coyotes, or raccoons, the nests on Tybee face unique challenges due to the high volume of visitors and locals. — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Compared to skunks and coyotes, raccoons were the quickest to discover that tapping the left button would release food, with most of the eight raccoon subjects unlocking the puzzle within one or two attempts. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

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