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Synonyms

cowpoke

American  
[kau-pohk] / ˈkaʊˌpoʊk /

noun

Southwestern U.S.
  1. a cowboy or cowgirl.


Etymology

Origin of cowpoke

1880–85; cow 1 + poke 1 (probably formed after cowpuncher )


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One theory is that the moniker emerged from a cowpoke misinterpretation of the Spanish word galón, for braided hat-bands.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026

Buckle up, cowpoke: On Wednesday, Beyoncé shared the track list for her forthcoming album, “Act ll: Cowboy Carter.”

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 27, 2024

Spooner’s man, just north of town, was also a cowpoke, his hands extended, gripping nothing.

From New York Times ● Aug. 14, 2019

He showed them his pistols and his rope tricks from the time he was a cowpoke in the West.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 17, 2018

“Get your cowpoke feet out of my shooting area!”

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye

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