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

Eric Hagerty said he's been waiting for over two years for his coyote mount. —Erika Stanish, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026

Pets the size of a rabbit or smaller are considered prey for both coyotes and bobcats. —Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026

Gray wolves are much larger than an average dog or coyote, measuring up to 34 inches at shoulder height, more than 6 feet in length and weighing up to 120 pounds. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026

The cast includes Ensenada native Mariana Flores Bucio as Pancho and Atlanta native Victor Ryan Robertson as the coyote. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 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