mule deer

noun

: a long-eared deer (Odocoileus hemionus) of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

Illustration of mule deer

Illustration of mule deer

Examples of mule deer 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.
During the committee’s two-day session in Helena this week, council members discussed everything from fire suppression to mule deer management. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 May 2026 Despite the frequent crowds, mule deer are a common sighting. Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 13 May 2026 Bighorn sheep, elk, moose, bears, mule deer, pronghorn, and bison thrive in the park. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 Hundreds of bird, mammal, fish and amphibian species live at the park, and visitors might see mule deer, elk, javelina and squirrels. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mule deer

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mule deer was in 1805

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mule deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule%20deer. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

mule deer

noun
: a long-eared deer of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

More from Merriam-Webster on mule deer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster