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

People can find more facts about coyotes and how to be safe around wildlife on the K-State website. —Kendrick Calfee may 1, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

On April 8, Val was flown to her new East Coast home and introduced to another coyote, named Bernie, officials said. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Only about 30 percent of all nests evade their many predators, including skunks, opossums, raccoons, coyotes, snakes, and even domestic dogs and cats. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026

And more recently, film director Mike Mills’ 2007-2008 three-billboard series, also in LA, the first just text that read THE COPS ARE INSIDE US, the second and third a photograph of a mountain lion and a coyote respectively. —Emma Copley Eisenberg, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyōtl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coyote

• brodie
• dhoti
• doty
• roti
• throaty
• quixote

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