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

Bovino said the invasive, non-native coyotes were killing the local timber rattlesnakes. —Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

People should also avoid walking pets at night or during dawn and dusk hours, when coyotes are most active. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

As one San Diego landscape architect explained, beyond toxic plants, there are predators like coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

Their diet typically consists of squirrels, beavers, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, birds, opossums, cattle, deer, pigs, porcupines, elk, or moose. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 20 Mar. 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