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.
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 The disease has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, with a prevalence as high as 11% in one mule deer population. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 In Utah, more than 99 percent of roadless areas are designated by the state as crucial or substantial habitat for mule deer. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2026 The plan includes the goal of eradicating the entire population of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) on the island, which the CIC says number 2,040. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 18 Mar. 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 1 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