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

The list is long, but the most common local wild species includes bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, deer, mountain lions, skunks, foxes, cottontail rabbits and opossums. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

From those two specimens, the Colossal team recovered enough DNA to create two dire wolf genomes to compare with other canid species, including coyotes, jackals, dholes and other wolves. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Birds, turtles, squirrels, rabbits, pelicans, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, snakes and bats are among the 350 different species that receive care. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025

The program was developed amid growing concern in California about the management of wildlife predators, including wolves, coyotes, mountain lions and bears. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 June 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