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

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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.
In Utah, 99 percent of all the roadless areas have been designated by the state as either crucial or important mule deer habitat, and 87 percent for elk. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026 And in its forests and on its grasslands, tule elk and mule deer graze, while bobcats and coyotes hunt for rabbits and mountain beavers. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Paradise Valley Ranch, bought in 2019, spans 9,600 acres and is home to elk, mule deer, antelope, golden eagles, and mountain lions. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 The following year, mule deer, wolves’ more traditional prey, showed up in 55% of scat but made up only 15% of their total diet, the study showed. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 July 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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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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