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

Though short spine syndrome can be present in several species, from raccoons to domesticated cats, the condition is most common in dogs. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Ringtails are small omnivores — about two pounds and 28 inches long — that are related to raccoons and coatimundis. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026

Obviously, Jimothy's physical limitations don't prevent him from living a normal raccoon life. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

The round-bodied raccoon has been honored by the state’s governor, fans across the country and now a local art contest. — Adrianne Morales, Washington Post, 28 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"