coyote
UK: kɔɪˈəʊti | US: kaɪˈoʊti
n. a small, wolf-like mammal native to North America, known for its adaptability and cunning behavior
n. (slang) a person who smuggles immigrants across borders, especially the U.S.-Mexico border
The word coyote entered English via Spanish, which borrowed it from the Nahuatl coyōtl. The Nahuatl term reflects the animal's cultural significance as a trickster figure in Mesoamerican folklore. The spelling and pronunciation were adapted to fit Spanish and later English phonetics, but the core meaning—linking the animal to cunning and vocalization—persisted.
The coyote's howl echoed through the desert at night.
Farmers often blame coyotes for livestock losses.
In folklore, the coyote is a symbol of cleverness and mischief.
The group hired a coyote to guide them across the border.
Coyotes have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.