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

According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), daytime coyote sightings increase January through late March in Kansas, when the species of North American canine hunts for food and searches for a mate. —Kendrick Calfee updated January 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026

This man, this rancher, shot everything, from elk to coyotes. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

The state’s Coyote Catalog, which is co-managed by NDGF and the state’s Department of Agriculture, was created specifically for coyote management, while NDGF’s Antlerless Deer Program helps connect deer hunters with willing hosts. —Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 21 Jan. 2026

However, Moore believes the coyote may have fallen into the ocean from Angel Island and got caught in the tides. —Noe Padilla, USA Today, 20 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