mule deer

noun

: a long-eared deer (Odocoileus hemionus) of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

Illustration of mule deer

Illustration of mule deer

Examples of mule deer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Watch for mule deer, coyotes, and large jackrabbits. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026 Researchers say the structure will benefit a wide range of species that move through the region, including gray wolves, elk, mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Units 1, 5, 11 – 13, 20, and 25 are specifically noted as units where hunters may take mule deer. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026 Keystone herbivore species such as the American bison, elk and mule deer live in grasslands and help to regulate the rich plant biota for other creatures to thrive, Keyser said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mule deer

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mule deer was in 1805

Rhymes for mule deer

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Browse Nearby Words

mule chest
mule deer
mule-ears
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Cite this Entry

“Mule deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mule%20deer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

mule deer

noun
: a long-eared deer of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

More from Merriam-Webster on mule deer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mule deer

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