raccoon
Americannoun
plural
raccoons,plural
raccoon-
a nocturnal omnivore, Procyon lotor, the largest member of the family Procyonidae, having a masklike black stripe across the eyes, a sharp snout, a bushy, ringed tail, and very dexterous front paws, native to North and Central America and introduced elsewhere for its valuable fur: more than 20 subspecies have been named.
-
the thick, brownish-gray fur of this animal, with gray, black-tipped guard hairs.
-
any of various related animals of the genus Procyon, of Central American islands, some now rare.
noun
-
any omnivorous mammal of the genus Procyon , esp P. lotor ( North American raccoon ), inhabiting forests of North and Central America and the Caribbean: family Procyonidae , order Carnivora (carnivores). Raccoons have a pointed muzzle, long tail, and greyish-black fur with black bands around the tail and across the face
-
the fur of the North American raccoon
Etymology
Origin of raccoon
An Americanism dating back to 1600–10; from Virginia Algonquian (English spelling) aroughcun, from arahkunem “he scratches with his hands”
Compare meaning
How does raccoon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Transmission most often occurs when people or pets ingest food or water contaminated with raccoon feces.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026
The last 12 months have delivered a huge number of viral moments - Taylor Swift getting engaged, a raccoon getting drunk, and the 6-7 trend driving teachers everywhere to early retirement.
From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025
Just a week earlier, customs officials said they had arrested another smuggler carrying snakes, tortoises and a raccoon.
From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025
I have circles under my eyes so big and dark I look like a raccoon dressed as Batman.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025
“I know what the raccoon turd is!” he says.
From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
