mule deer

American  

noun

1. a deer, Odocoileus hemionus, of western North America, having large ears and a gray coat.

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mule deer British  

noun

1. a W North American deer, Odocoileus hemionus, with long ears and a black-tipped tail

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Etymology

Origin of mule deer

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

He said that the mountain lion’s prey of choice, mule deer, have been less readily available lately, potentially making them look for other sources of food.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Neither can male mountain lions or mule deer, both of which inhabit this dramatic desert.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

Either way, the coyotes found a ready food source in the fawn of mule deer, which themselves have a controversial history on the island.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2025

That said, these two sites are a true escape, and you’ll likely see wildlife like mule deer and hear the howls of coyotes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Our second night out, two hours before dawn, I was steering from the flying bridge when the head of a mule deer materialized in the spotlight's glare.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer