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
“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
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
Guapo capered around, his black sombrero bobbing over his skullface.
From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer
When the opening ceremony wrapped up and the match got under way, thousands of fans threw their sombreros into the air, ready to celebrate having the biggest tournament in football play out on home soil.
From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026
The second thing he did was hand out sombreros in honor of his Mexican heritage and status as the first Latino majority owner in America’s major professional sports.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 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
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.
