coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈō-tē 

chiefly Western

ˈkī-ˌōt 

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

• coyote 1

Examples of coyote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Livestock guardian dogs are a special category of working dogs bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves, coyotes, and bears. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Raccoons, coyotes, spotted hyenas, and humans are all known to adapt their hunting strategies. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2024

Other prey species, especially for younger cougars, include raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, hares, small rodents, and occasionally pets and livestock (e.g. goats, sheep, and chickens). —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 18 Dec. 2024

Pic follows a family fighting for their lives against a pack of crazed coyotes during a raging wildfire in the Hollywood Hills. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

coyote

noun

coy·​ote kī-ˈōt-ē  ˈkī-ˌōt 

plural coyotes or coyote

: a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf