mule deer

noun

1. a deer, Odocoileus hemionus, of western North America, having large ears and a gray coat.

mule deer

noun

1. a W North American deer, Odocoileus hemionus, with long ears and a black-tipped tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of mule deer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Its native grasses and forested hillsides host nesting ospreys and more than 200 other bird species, along with mule deer, wild turkeys, coyotes and the rare pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

From Los Angeles Times

One study found that a newborn mule deer west of the Sierra Nevada crest is over six times more likely to be killed by a black bear than to die of any other cause.

From Los Angeles Times

The munching of a mule deer enjoying grass.

From Los Angeles Times

Santa Catalina Island’s evasive mule deer dodged a bullet — or several — on Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike moose, mule deer and black-tail deer are considered to be natural hosts and typically show minimal to no signs of infection.

From Science Daily