coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈō-tē 

chiefly Western

ˈkī-ˌōt 

plural coyotes or coyote

1

: a buff-gray to reddish-gray swift carnivorous mammal (Canis latrans) of North America that is closely related to but smaller than the wolf, has a narrow pointed muzzle and triangular ears, hunts singly or in small groups, and is known for its various distinctive vocalizations (such as barks, yips, and howls)

Note: The coyote is often considered a threat to livestock. Despite being hunted and trapped, the coyote has expanded its original range and is found in all states except Hawaii.

2

slang : one who smuggles immigrants into the U.S.

Illustration of coyote

• coyote 1

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pulliam was smoking outdoors near his apartment complex when the coyote struck. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 20 May 2025

In response, federal agents shot three coyotes in one family there. —Heather Knight, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Deborah saves her precious Barry from a would-be dog-killing coyote by throwing her (evidently not useless!) comedy award at it to scare that attacker off. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 9 May 2025

And hopefully, Deborah can keep those coyotes at bay, indefinitely. —Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coyote

• brodie
• dhoti
• doty
• roti
• throaty
• quixote

Kids Definition

coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈōt-ē  ˈkī-ˌōt 

plural coyotes or coyote

: a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf