Illustration of coyote
- coyote 1
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.
Examples of coyote in a Sentence
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The coyote became part of the family as McMechan helped raise him with his dog named Duck.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
So much La La Land, not ONE shot of the best coyote in all of pop culture???
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
But a new study found coyotes were less inclined to seek out higher-income areas in their home ranges, preferring to stick to less-wealthy parts, surprising researchers.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Imagine living in a place where a coyote can safely walk over a freeway on a brand new 100 million dollar animal only bridge near Calabasas, California, and right under that bridge dumping 4.5 million tons of toxic ash?
—Blake Morgan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
So much La La Land, not ONE shot of the best coyote in all of pop culture???
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
But a new study found coyotes were less inclined to seek out higher-income areas in their home ranges, preferring to stick to less-wealthy parts, surprising researchers.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Imagine living in a place where a coyote can safely walk over a freeway on a brand new 100 million dollar animal only bridge near Calabasas, California, and right under that bridge dumping 4.5 million tons of toxic ash?
—Blake Morgan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coyote
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Cite this Entry
“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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