raccoon

noun

rac·​coon ra-ˈkün How to pronounce raccoon (audio)
also rə-
variants or less commonly racoon
plural raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons
Synonyms of raccoonnext
1
a
: a small nocturnal carnivore (Procyon lotor) of North America that is chiefly gray, has a black mask and bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees, and has a varied diet including small animals, fruits, and nuts
b
: the pelt of this animal
2
: any of several animals resembling or related to the raccoon

Illustration of raccoon

Illustration of raccoon
  • raccoon 1a

Examples of raccoon 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.
The ad appears to have sprung from a rumor that Wahl’s fiancee once had a pet raccoon. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026 Map your local predator threat, from raccoons and hawks to foxes, dogs and rats, and build defenses around what actually lives in your area. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 Baby raccoons, for example, are very cute, but their mother may have made a den in the attic, crawl space, or shed, which can be bad for them and for the homeowner. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026 Some people have to remove bird feeders during the summer because of problems with bears, raccoons, and other wild animals. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for raccoon

Word History

Etymology

Virginia Algonquian raugroughcun, arocoun

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of raccoon was in 1608

Phrases Containing raccoon

Rhymes for raccoon

See All Rhymes for raccoon

Browse Nearby Words

raccommode
raccoon
raccoonberry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raccoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raccoon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

raccoon

noun
rac·​coon
variants also racoon
ra-ˈkün
plural raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons
: a small North American mammal that is mostly gray with a black mask, has a bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees and is active at night, and eats a varied diet including small animals, fruits, eggs, and insects
also : the pelt of a raccoon
Etymology

Virginia Algonquian raugroughcoon, arocoun "racoon"

More from Merriam-Webster on raccoon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for raccoon

Nglish: Translation of raccoon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about raccoon

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