sombrero
Americannoun
plural
sombrerosnoun
Other Word Forms
- sombreroed adjective
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.
“Don’t worry, be happy,” Maduro said at an event in the capital of Caracas, wearing a sombrero and flashing a peace sign as he sang along to the Bobby McFerrin classic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025
Many of their faces, painted a ghostly white, were framed by embroidered Tejano hats — and one massive mariachi sombrero.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025
The allegations centered on the Banditos, said to be a clique of predominantly Latino deputies who sport tattoos of a skeleton with a sombrero, bandoleer and pistol.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 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
A man came out of the house where “una gente rica” lived, his eyes shaded by a straw sombrero.
From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago
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.
