# coyote

/ˈkaɪoʊt/ (US) · /kaɪˈəʊti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coyote
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR B2

a wild animal from North America that looks like a small wolf.

For teachers: a species of canine (Canis latrans) native to North America, smaller than a wolf and known for its distinctive howl.

- We heard a coyote howling in the hills behind our house last night.
- Ecologists have noted that the coyote has successfully adapted to urban environments, often scavenging for food in suburban neighbourhoods at night.

### 2. a human smuggler

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

a person who is paid to help people cross a border illegally.

For teachers: a person who smuggles undocumented immigrants across a land border, particularly from Latin America into the United States.

- The migrants paid a coyote thousands of dollars to guide them across the desert.
- Border patrol agents reported an increase in activity from coyotes who exploit vulnerable families by promising safe passage for exorbitant fees.

### 3. mythological figure

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a character in Native American stories who is often clever and plays tricks.

For teachers: a prominent trickster figure appearing in the mythologies and folklore of various indigenous peoples of North America.

- In many traditional stories, Coyote is a clever character who teaches lessons through his mistakes.
- The oral traditions of the Navajo often feature Coyote as a complex figure who embodies both creative and destructive impulses.

## Examples

- We heard a coyote howling in the desert last night.
- The rancher installed a higher fence to protect his sheep from the local coyote population.
- While often viewed as a nuisance by farmers, the coyote plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of smaller rodents and rabbits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.