cowboy

American  

[kou-boi] / ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. 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.

2. a man who exhibits the skills attributed to such cowboys, especially in rodeos.

3. Chiefly Northeastern U.S. a reckless or speedy automobile driver.

4. 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.

5. (during the American Revolution) a member of a pro-British guerrilla band that operated between the American and British lines near New York City.

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verb (used without object)

1. to work as a cowboy.

cowboy British  

/ ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. Also called: cowhand.  a hired man who herds and tends cattle, usually on horseback, esp in the western US

2. a conventional character of Wild West folklore, films, etc, esp one involved in fighting Indians

3. informal

   1. a person who is an irresponsible or unscrupulous operator in business

   2. ( as modifier )

      cowboy contractors

      cowboy shop steward

4. a man or boy who tends cattle

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Other Word Forms

• cowgirl noun

Etymology

Origin of cowboy

First recorded in 1715–25; cow ¹ + boy

Example Sentences

Red Dead Redemption puts you in the saddle for a Wild West cowboy fantasy, while Crusader Kings simulates all the drama of European royalty.

From BBC

Elsewhere on the lot, the bots served drinks while outfitted in cowboy hats and bow ties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr Slimani, who arrived at Willesden Magistrates' Court wearing a cowboy hat and fur coat, had consumed cough medicine - which can impact a reading's accuracy - his defence said.

From BBC

The Stetson cowboy hat has been worn by everyone from General George Armstrong Custer to Beyoncé.

From The Wall Street Journal

From New York City to Chicago to Portland, bars are hosting line-dancing events and live music performances that draw patrons dressed in cowboy boots, Wranglers and the occasional Stetson.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bronco