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.
The bill’s sponsor, a representative named Mike Schmid from southwest Wyoming, said the bill was more about mule deer than mountain lions. Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025 Moose and whitetails have been shedding since January, followed by mule deer in February and elk through March. Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 5 Feb. 2025 Many animals — from Arctic hares to mule deer — use what researchers call stopover points. Christine Peterson, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024 The dense foliage and nutrient-rich soil create a habitat that supports a wide array of species, including black bears, elk, mule deer, foxes and over 100 bird species. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Mule deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule%20deer. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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

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