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

Santa Catalina Island’s mule deer are back in the crosshairs.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

Its native grasses and forested hillsides host nesting ospreys and more than 200 other bird species, along with mule deer, wild turkeys, coyotes and the rare pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

The munching of a mule deer enjoying grass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

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