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
Recent Examples on the Web
Be assertive if a coyote nears, N.C. wildlife officers advise.
—
Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025
After Tommy has witnessed a murder, a coyote stops and stares at him, reflecting his internal turmoil.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Earlier on March 7, a coyote bit a man in his open garage in the Factoria neighborhood.
—Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
Entire herds of mule deer and elk use the structures, as well as bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and foxes.
—Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coyote
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.
Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025
After Tommy has witnessed a murder, a coyote stops and stares at him, reflecting his internal turmoil.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Earlier on March 7, a coyote bit a man in his open garage in the Factoria neighborhood.
—Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
Entire herds of mule deer and elk use the structures, as well as bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and foxes.
—Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coyote
Cite this Entry
“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share