NYT Dictionary

RACCOON

/ɹæˈkun/
Nounrac-COONrac-coon · 2 syllablesGrade 2

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

An omnivorous, nocturnal mammal native to the Americas, of the genus Procyon, typically with a mixture of gray, brown, and black fur, a mask-like marking around the eyes and a striped tail.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From arocoun (1608), from Powhatan ärähkun, from ärähkuněm (“he scratches with his hands”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

cooncommon raccoonNorth American raccoonnorthern raccoontrash pandaracoonanimalantelopeapearmadillo

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

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