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

Shaw saw a coyote in his father’s front yard and his stomach dropped. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025

Beuys would spend three days, eight hours a day, with the live coyote. —Michelle F. Solomon and, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025

The coyote was shot with a bow and then stomped to death, the Illinois Conservation police told ABC7, along with WGN-TV and Fox 32. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Dog And Owner Have Coyote Encounter In Woods By Liz O'Connell Pets Reporter 0 With coyote mating season ramping up in the coming months, one rescue center in Tennessee issued a warning for pet parents. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

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