: a small nocturnal carnivore (Procyon lotor) of North America that is chiefly gray, has a black mask and bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees, and has a varied diet including small animals, fruits, and nuts
b
: the pelt of this animal
2
: any of several animals resembling or related to the raccoon
Illustration of raccoon
raccoon 1a
Examples of raccoon in a Sentence
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Whether birds or moths in the attic, a raccoon in the garage, or mice in the basement, critters aren't concerned with taking care of your belongings.—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025 Products like organic soap sprays and organic horticultural oil control smaller pests, while tree guards, netting, and fruit protection bags are musts for deterring birds and large critters such as groundhogs or raccoons, or deer that may damage the tree bark.—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025 His yard now attracts wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote.—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025 But, for a few moments, the raccoon was our star.—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raccoon
: a small North American mammal that is mostly gray with a black mask, has a bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees and is active at night, and eats a varied diet including small animals, fruits, eggs, and insects
also: the pelt of a raccoon
Etymology
Virginia Algonquian raugroughcoon, arocoun "racoon"
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