sombrero
Americannoun
-
sombreros
plural
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
Pico was once rich beyond the dreams of avarice, but he died so steeped in debt that a collector snatched the very sombrero off his head to sell for his creditors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2024
And there he stood, a sombrero on his head, a wool blanket around his shoulders, and his leg in a garbage can.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
We laughed about how we embraced every stereotype - the sombreros, bright colours, all of it worn with humour and defiance, and how, as hosts, we gave warmth, laughter and generosity to the world.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
Sharp lettering sits side-by-side with jovial illustrations of cannons, sombreros and brujas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026
I noticed there’s a set of bedazzled sombreros.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025
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
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
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