Illustration of coyote
- coyote 1
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.
Examples of coyote in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The incident comes amid a string of coyote encounters and attacks in a Bellevue neighborhood, prompting state wildlife officials to lethally remove two coyotes in recent days.
—
Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
While everyone was busy capturing images of the coyote, off to our left deep in the woods, the Wapiti pack was bedded down and resting out of sight.
—Stan Tekiela, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
The presence of dogs, coyotes, hawks, and even other cats in the streets can cause injury or transmit diseases.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Before going out at night, arm yourself with a flashlight because your neighborhood coyotes, bobcats, and foxes might want to admire your moonlight landscape, too.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
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Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
While everyone was busy capturing images of the coyote, off to our left deep in the woods, the Wapiti pack was bedded down and resting out of sight.
—Stan Tekiela, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
The presence of dogs, coyotes, hawks, and even other cats in the streets can cause injury or transmit diseases.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Before going out at night, arm yourself with a flashlight because your neighborhood coyotes, bobcats, and foxes might want to admire your moonlight landscape, too.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coyote
Cite this Entry
“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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