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

But Steinzor said coyotes contribute to ecosystems by controlling rodents and help some bird populations by eating animals that would otherwise consume their eggs. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

And coyotes regulate populations of mesocarnivores like skunks and raccoons, helping support the survival of ground-nesting birds. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

In these areas, coyotes and mountain lions are a mule deer’s primary predators. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026

The fall time is typically the time to watch out for animals like deer and coyotes. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 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