coyote

[ kahy-oh-tee, kahy-oht ]

noun

, plural coy·o·tes, (especially collectively) coy·o·te.

1. Also called prairie wolf. a buffy-gray, wolflike canid, Canis latrans, of North America, distinguished from the wolf by its relatively small size and its slender build, large ears, and narrow muzzle.
2. Slang. a contemptible person, especially an avaricious or dishonest one.
3. American Indian Legend. the coyote regarded as a culture hero and trickster by American Indian tribes of the West.
4. Slang. a person who smuggles immigrants, especially Latin Americans, into the U.S. for a fee.

coyote

/ kɔɪˈəʊt; ˈkɔɪəʊt; kɔɪˈəʊtɪ /

noun

1. Also calledprairie wolf a predatory canine mammal, Canis latrans, related to but smaller than the wolf, roaming the deserts and prairies of North America
2. (in Native American legends of the West) a trickster and culture hero represented as a man or as an animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of coyote¹

1825–35; earlier cuiota, cayota < Mexican Spanish coyote < Nahuatl coyōtl

Word History and Origins

Origin of coyote¹

C19: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyotl

Example Sentences

Once, coming down the hillside, I was stopped by a family of coyotes slinking across the trail.

From Los Angeles Times

As an added bonus, the company’s coyote logo is reflective, adding just a hint of extra protection while exercising at night.

From Los Angeles Times

Rabies is a rare but deadly viral disease that can be spread to humans from an infected animal - such as bats, coyotes, foxes or raccoons - most commonly through its saliva.

From BBC

Owens Viani said proponents had also hoped to create buffer zones around agricultural areas, where birds of prey forage and which are part of habitat ranges for mountain lions, coyotes and other animals.

From Los Angeles Times

One coyote made it into a Simi Valley home through a dog door in May, targeting the family’s Chihuahua.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mutt
• pooch
• pup