coyote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal, depending on meaning (zoological vs. socio-political).
Quick answer
What does “coyote” mean?
A North American wild canine mammal, similar to a wolf but smaller, known for its adaptability and distinctive vocalizations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A North American wild canine mammal, similar to a wolf but smaller, known for its adaptability and distinctive vocalizations.
A person who smuggles people across the border, especially from Mexico into the United States.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The animal is native to North America, so the word is equally understood in both varieties but is far more frequent in North American English. The 'smuggler' meaning is almost exclusively used in the context of US-Mexico border issues.
Connotations
In BrE, primarily a zoological term. In AmE, also a powerful cultural and political symbol (wilderness, trickster, border issues).
Frequency
High frequency in North American English (especially western/midwestern US and Canada). Lower frequency in BrE, where it might be considered an 'exotic' animal name.
Grammar
How to Use “coyote” in a Sentence
The coyote [verb: howled, scavenged, prowled].Farmers [verb: shot, trapped, feared] the coyote.Coyotes [verb: are adapting to, are thriving in] urban environments.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coyote” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. Very rare as a verb. Hypothetical: 'He tried to coyote his way through the negotiation.'
American English
- N/A. Rare as a verb, but can be used informally meaning 'to work as a people smuggler' (e.g., 'He coyoted for years before getting caught').
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The coyote population is expanding.
- He had a coyote-like cunning about him.
American English
- We heard a coyote call last night.
- The documentary covered the coyote-smuggling trade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism ('coyote watching tours') or pest control contexts.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, wildlife management, and North American cultural studies.
Everyday
Common in North America for discussing wildlife encounters; the 'smuggler' meaning appears in news/political discourse.
Technical
Zoological classification and behavioral studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coyote”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coyote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coyote”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkɔɪ.ət/ instead of the standard pronunciations. Spelling confusion: 'coyate', 'ciyote'. Overusing the 'smuggler' meaning in inappropriate contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, /kaɪˈoʊti/ (kai-OH-tee) is most common. In British English, /kɔɪˈəʊti/ (koy-OH-tee) is more frequent, though the American pronunciation is widely recognized.
Referring to the animal is not offensive. Using it to mean a human smuggler is a charged, informal term and can be pejorative, reducing a complex human to a negative stereotype. Use with caution and context.
Coyotes are significantly smaller, lighter, and have narrower snouts and relatively larger ears than wolves. They are more adaptable to human environments and often hunt alone or in small family groups, unlike the larger pack-oriented wolf.
In many Native American cultures, the coyote is a prominent trickster figure—a creative, clever, and often amoral being who shapes the world through mischief, teaching lessons about folly and wisdom.
A North American wild canine mammal, similar to a wolf but smaller, known for its adaptability and distinctive vocalizations.
Coyote is usually neutral to informal, depending on meaning (zoological vs. socio-political). in register.
Coyote: in British English it is pronounced /kɔɪˈəʊti/ or /ˈkɔɪ.əʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kaɪˈoʊti/ or /ˈkaɪ.oʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sing like a coyote (to howl/lament)”
- “coyote ugly (AmE slang: extremely unattractive, from the joke about preferring to chew one's arm off rather than wake the person next to you)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COYOTE: Calls Out Yelps On The Edge (of town).
Conceptual Metaphor
TRICKERY IS A COYOTE (from folklore: the coyote as a cunning trickster figure). ADAPTABILITY IS A COYOTE (for its survival in diverse habitats).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coyote' LEAST likely to be used?