coyote
UK[kaɪˈəʊti]US[kaɪˈoʊti]
n
a wild animal of the dog family, found in north america, that is smaller than a wolf
n
a person who smuggles people from latin america across the us border
Etymology
the word 'coyote' entered the english language in the early 19th century via mexican spanish, which had adopted it from the nahuatl language of central mexico. the original nahuatl term 'coyotl' referred specifically to this canid species, showcasing the direct borrowing of a new world animal's indigenous name. as english speakers expanded westward across north america, they encountered the animal and its established spanish name, leading to its assimilation into english. the term later developed a metaphorical sense for a human smuggler, drawing an analogy to the animal's perceived cunning and adaptability in border regions.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from mexican spanish, which itself borrowed it from the nahuatl word 'coyotl'. it is not productively formed from english or classical morphemes.
Examples
the lonely howl of a coyote echoed across the desert valley.
biologists are studying how coyotes have adapted to urban environments.
he was arrested for working as a coyote, guiding migrants through the harsh terrain.