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
It’s nearly 50 years since Michael Crichton directed “Westworld,” adapted from his novel about a dust-bowl theme park whose chief robot cowpoke turns rogue and begins dueling for real.
From Washington Post • Nov. 6, 2020
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
It’s handled with humor, as when a gunned-down cowpoke sprouts angel’s wings and warbles his way up to heaven.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2018
“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.
