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
That’s because the show leaned into the L.A. quirks, brining on experts on coyotes, palm trees and earthquakes.
—
Michael Schneider, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Wildlife officials suspect coyotes, dogs and other wildlife died after poison was left in a popular hiking area in southern Arizona.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025
When David and my parents first bought their property, about a decade apart, there were still vacant lots in the canyon, and the streets were a patchwork of homes and chaparral scrub where deer and coyotes roamed free.
—Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
They were led into the country by a coyote from Mexico.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 2025
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Michael Schneider, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Wildlife officials suspect coyotes, dogs and other wildlife died after poison was left in a popular hiking area in southern Arizona.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025
When David and my parents first bought their property, about a decade apart, there were still vacant lots in the canyon, and the streets were a patchwork of homes and chaparral scrub where deer and coyotes roamed free.
—Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
They were led into the country by a coyote from Mexico.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 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 Feb. 2025.
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