cowhide

American  

[kou-hahyd] / ˈkaʊˌhaɪd /

noun

1. the hide of a cow.

2. the leather made from it.

3. a strong, flexible whip made of rawhide or of braided leather.

4. Informal. cowhides, a pair of boots or shoes, especially those made of cowhide.

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verb (used with object)

cowhided, cowhiding

1. to whip with a cowhide.

cowhide British  

/ ˈkaʊˌhaɪd /

noun

1. the hide of a cow

2. the leather made from such a hide

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Etymology

Origin of cowhide

First recorded in 1630–40; cow ¹ + hide ²

Example Sentences

Inside is a cowhide segment of a game-used football.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

Urbanczyk reportedly gave Dunleavy in 2022 a tanned cowhide and a cooler of game meat worth a combined $310.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2024

They had blond, brown, and red hair, large noses, and wore bright, sometimes elaborate clothing fashioned from wool, furs, or cowhide.

From National Geographic • Sep. 15, 2023

This doesn't hold true in the case of cowhide or sheepskin, though, according to Abbes.

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2022

“I know what. Get that cowhide off the fence. I’ll go get some pillows.”

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson