sombrero
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of sombrero
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Spanish: “hat,” derivative of sombra “shade”; see somber
Explanation
In English, the word sombrero refers specifically to a type of wide-brimmed hat traditionally worn in Mexico, but in Spanish, it is simply the word for a hat of any kind. The type of hat most often referred to as a sombrero in English is actually called a sombrero de charro — meaning "cowboy hat" — in Mexico. These hats are often decorated with intricate patterns and colorful designs, and are traditionally made of straw. The sombrero plays a significant role in Mexican culture, commonly seen at festivals, celebrations, and traditional dances.
Vocabulary lists containing sombrero
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:
Even the World Cup mascot, a chilli pepper with a sombrero, seemed to capture that spirit perfectly - bold, playful, and unmistakably ours.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
And in 2026, I was sprayed with beer, hit it in the head by a flying paper sombrero, and watched El Tri win its opening game with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
And we know what we would say: If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 2025
A black sombrero hangs on a wall outside the recording booth and a bold neon sign flashes in white: “Ya es Tiempo,” the time is now.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 12, 2023
I stand near the front, with my wide sombrero.
From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads
He also describes Scots dressing up in sombreros, Viking helmets or Argentina jerseys as "a bit churlish".
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
Sharp lettering sits side-by-side with jovial illustrations of cannons, sombreros and brujas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026
On Saturday, several protesters wore sombreros similar to the style of hat made famous by Carlos Manzo, a mayor in western Michoacan state who was assassinated on November 1.
From Barron's ● Nov. 16, 2025
The mainly Latino and Latina riders from across the San Gabriel Valley wore traditional Mexican boots and gear, including sombreros and cowboy hats.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2023
But my young mind was filled with self, and my imagination shivered at the prospect of seeing sombreros, rancheros, tortillas and Pancho Villa.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
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.
