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
In 2022, cameras captured animals – including mule deer, elk and coyotes – using these crossings more than 5,000 times.
—
Conor Knighton, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2024
The crossing will provide habitat access to coyotes, bobcats, deer, snakes, lizards, toads and even ants, but cougars will be among its chief beneficiaries, the National Parks Service has said.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
And in 2004, a wolf that was collared in the Upper Peninsula was killed by a coyote trapper.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024
The project is expected to provide habitat for two endangered birds, the least Bell’s vireo and light-footed ridgeway’s rail, and offer animals access to conserved land areas for mammals such as the American badger, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, mule deer and gray fox.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2024
My friend lives in a canyon with lots of wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, owls, and other predators.
—Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2024
In the audio, the caller is heard repeatedly saying that the coyote was coming back.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Feb. 2024
Living with coyotes: Batiquitos Lagoon will put on a presentation on the natural history of coyotes led by Project Wildlife rehabilitation specialist Kelly Wallace.
—The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024
When trying to determine if an animal is a wolf versus a coyote, aside from the size difference, wolves have shorter, blunter noses and rounder faces, while coyotes have much more angular features and longer, sharper snouts.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2024
Conor Knighton, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2024
The crossing will provide habitat access to coyotes, bobcats, deer, snakes, lizards, toads and even ants, but cougars will be among its chief beneficiaries, the National Parks Service has said.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
And in 2004, a wolf that was collared in the Upper Peninsula was killed by a coyote trapper.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024
The project is expected to provide habitat for two endangered birds, the least Bell’s vireo and light-footed ridgeway’s rail, and offer animals access to conserved land areas for mammals such as the American badger, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, mule deer and gray fox.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2024
My friend lives in a canyon with lots of wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, owls, and other predators.
—Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2024
In the audio, the caller is heard repeatedly saying that the coyote was coming back.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Feb. 2024
Living with coyotes: Batiquitos Lagoon will put on a presentation on the natural history of coyotes led by Project Wildlife rehabilitation specialist Kelly Wallace.
—The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024
When trying to determine if an animal is a wolf versus a coyote, aside from the size difference, wolves have shorter, blunter noses and rounder faces, while coyotes have much more angular features and longer, sharper snouts.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coyote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Coyote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coyote. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
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