cowboy
[ kou-boi ]
/ ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ /
noun
a man who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western U.S., and who traditionally goes about most of his work on horseback.
a man who exhibits the skills attributed to such cowboys, especially in rodeos.
Chiefly Northeastern U.S. a reckless or speedy automobile driver.
Informal. a reckless or irresponsible person, especially a show-off or one who undertakes a dangerous or sensitive task heedlessly: They put foreign policy in the hands of cowboys.
(during the American Revolution) a member of a pro-British guerrilla band that operated between the American and British lines near New York City.
verb (used without object)
to work as a cowboy.
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Nearby words
cowbane, cowbell, cowberry, cowbind, cowbird, cowboy, cowboy boot, cowboy hat, cowboy up, cowboys and indians, cowcatcher
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for cowboy
British Dictionary definitions for cowboy
cowboy
/ (ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ) /
noun
Also called: cowhand a hired man who herds and tends cattle, usually on horseback, esp in the western US
a conventional character of Wild West folklore, films, etc, esp one involved in fighting Indians
informal
- a person who is an irresponsible or unscrupulous operator in business
- (as modifier)cowboy contractors; cowboy shop steward
Australian a man or boy who tends cattle
Derived Forms
cowgirl, fem nCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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