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

Examples of mule deer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An analysis of body masses and maximal running speeds for 100 terrestrial mammals—with typical adult body masses ranging from more than 6,000 kilograms to 16 grams (African elephant to mouse)—found the optimal size for running to be about 120 kilograms, about the size of a mule deer. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026

Keystone herbivore species such as the American bison, elk and mule deer live in grasslands and help to regulate the rich plant biota for other creatures to thrive, Keyser said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 June 2026

Researchers say the structure will benefit a wide range of species that move through the region, including gray wolves, elk, mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

First, three mule deer were the first animals to walk over California’s first wildlife crossing over State Route 97 in Siskiyou County. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mule deer

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

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