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

More than any other animal, mule deer cause more injuries to visitors in the park, according to a National Park Service Instagram post.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025

One study found that a newborn mule deer west of the Sierra Nevada crest is over six times more likely to be killed by a black bear than to die of any other cause.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2024

The munching of a mule deer enjoying grass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

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