coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈō-tē How to pronounce coyote (audio)
chiefly Western
ˈkī-ˌōt How to pronounce coyote (audio)
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

Illustration of coyote
  • coyote 1

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for coyote

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coyote was in 1759

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

coyote

noun
plural coyotes or coyote
: a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf

More from Merriam-Webster on coyote

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!