mule deer

noun

: a long-eared deer (Odocoileus hemionus) of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

Illustration of mule deer

Illustration of mule deer

Examples of mule deer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two soldiers at Fort Carson were convicted of poaching mule deer on the military and state land, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026 This means the landscape provides critical migration routes for species like elk, mule deer, bears, moose, and bobcats—thus allowing for exceptional wildlife sightings in the spring and fall that rival Yellowstone National Park. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Jan. 2026 Located in Encinitas, the reserve encompasses 979 acres and is home to several wildlife species, including the mule deer. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025 These and other species (like mule deer) prefer wide open overpasses — as opposed to the long and narrow underpasses preferred by mountain lions and black bears. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mule deer

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mule deer was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Mule deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule%20deer. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

mule deer

noun
: a long-eared deer of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

More from Merriam-Webster on mule deer

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