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 calledcowhand 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

Derived Forms

• ˈcowˌgirl, noun:feminine

Word History and Origins

Origin of cowboy¹

First recorded in 1715–25; cow ¹ + boy

Example Sentences

Tellingly, in the upper right-hand corner, Ruscha added a cheap Western cowboy magazine, its rowdy narrative of American manifest destiny having been torn in two.

From Los Angeles Times

He was born to wear a plain white cowboy hat.

From Los Angeles Times

Donning his signature Stetson hat, Bruce Boyer proclaims himself to be a cowboy, a businessman, a perennial political candidate and a dancer.

From Los Angeles Times

Over time, they’ve outfitted entire wedding parties in cowboy attire and have fit plenty of children for their first pairs of boots.

From Los Angeles Times

Industry experts have told the BBC spray foam is an effective insulator if fitted properly, and urgent action is needed to stop panicked homeowners needlessly turning to "cowboy" removal companies.

From BBC

Related Words

• bronco