cowpoke
Americannoun
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.
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
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
In a city that loves Rodgers and Hammerstein, this account of the pioneering 1943 show about frontier folk generated advance curiosity for the casting of Mr. Fairchild as the lanky young cowpoke, Will Parker.
From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2017
“Get your cowpoke feet out of my shooting area!”
From "Worth" by A. LaFaye
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.