raccoon

noun

rac·​coon ra-ˈkün 

also rə-

variants or less commonly racoon

plural raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons

1

a

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

Chocolate, coffee, avocado, onions, garlic and processed sugars can be dangerous for raccoons, according to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Still, Logsdon said the young raccoon appears remarkably agile. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

The Threat Of Humans While the sea turtle nests on nearby undeveloped barrier islands face threats from predators such as wild boars, coyotes, or raccoons, the nests on Tybee face unique challenges due to the high volume of visitors and locals. — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Dome-shaped, like a furry armadillo, and ranging from the size of a large cat to a small border collie, raccoons sport a mask of black fur around their eyes surrounded by a halo of white, set above long thick whiskers. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Virginia Algonquian raugroughcun, arocoun

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing raccoon

• raccoon dog

Rhymes for raccoon

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

Kids Definition

raccoon

noun

rac·​coon

variants also racoon

ra-ˈkün

plural raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons

: 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"