cowboy

[kou-boi]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to work as a cowboy.

cowboy

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• cowgirl noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cowboy¹

First recorded in 1715–25; cow ¹ + boy

Example Sentences

Once a backdrop for countless western films, the rugged Eastern Sierra landscape is now more likely to draw rock climbers and hikers than real or silver-screen cowboys.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That leaves pressure on Root, because no one needs to see Haydos striding around the 'G wearing only his cowboy hat.

Read more on BBC

In the bedroom, his vintage cowboy boots are neatly lined up against the wall below felt hats.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Redford, the picture of a classic cowboy and blonde heartthrob, was no stranger to subverting expectations in his work onscreen.

Read more on Salon

But on Saturday, he looked like a tired, old cowboy — slow and unimaginative, with worn-out reflexes and a body that no longer responds.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bronco