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

Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide. —Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026

Located in Jackson Hole, this serene landscape is home to glistening lakes, jagged terrain, and beautiful moose, mule deer, bison, and elk. —Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

Per the plan conceived by the Catalina Island Conservancy, professional hunters will shoot the island’s non-native mule deer on the ground over four to five years. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Catalina Island conservationists are moving forward with an extensive plan to preserve the island's native habitat after the state recently approved the lethal shooting of the invasive mule deer on the island. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 2 Feb. 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