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

Among his trophies are an Alaskan moose and caribou, wild boars, bears, whitetail deer, Catalina goats and more mule deer bucks than some hunters see in a lifetime. — Rich Larocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026

Most states have laws that specifically ban feeding wildlife, especially game species such as mule deer or black bears, according to Choate. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 31 Oct. 2026

Animals sightings might include moose, elk, mule deer, ermine, wolves, foxes, bears (both grizzly and black), bald eagles and other birds of prey, and waterfowl like trumpeter swans. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

On previous survey nights that lasted until sunrise, the researchers have seen mule deer, bobcats, badgers and foxes prowling in the cover of the dark. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 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