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

See Examples For:

mule deer

Bruce Young, 80, a descendant of homesteaders, sat on his porch overlooking Stoner Creek near the Territory 1889 site, and shook his head as a mule deer wandered past.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

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

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

Several times they spotted small bunches of mule deer moving along the upper meadow slopes near the tree line.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols