chuck wagon

American  

noun

1. Western U.S. a wagon carrying cooking facilities and food for serving people working outdoors, as at a ranch or lumber camp.

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chuck wagon British  

noun

1. a wagon carrying provisions and cooking utensils for men, such as cowboys, who work in the open

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Etymology

Origin of chuck wagon

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

In a Valentine’s Day quiz Chelsea posted in 2022 on Facebook, she said they met at the ranch rodeo after the chuck wagon races and went for pizza on their first date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Patrons who arrive early can partake in such pre-show offerings as a wagon ride to the venue and a chuck wagon dinner.

From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2022

There is a branding iron, a snake hook and an old chuck wagon dinner bell.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2019

But on this first night of the roundup, as the sun sank low over the Canadian river breaks, the cowboys discussed a more pressing topic as they finished their chuck wagon supper.

From The Guardian • Jun. 19, 2017

One steer fell and rolled right under the chuck wagon.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume XVI, Texas Narratives, Part 3 by United States. Work Projects Administration