vaquero

American  

[vah-kair-oh, vah-ke-raw] / vɑˈkɛər oʊ, vɑˈkɛ rɔ /

noun

plural

vaqueros

1. Southwestern U.S. a cowboy or herdsman.

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Etymology

Origin of vaquero

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Spanish, equivalent to vac(a) “cow” (from Latin vacca ) + -ero (from Latin -ārius ); see -ary

Explanation

In Mexico and the American Southwest, a cowboy is known as a vaquero. The vaquero tradition dates back to the sixteenth century, when Spain colonized Mexico. The earliest vaqueros were native Mexicans who learned to herd cattle that belonged to Spanish colonizers. Over the centuries, the tradition spread from Mexico south to Argentina and as far north as British Columbia. Vaqueros were the original cowboys, inspiring the iconic North American horseback rancher and herder. The word vaquero derives from the Spanish vaca, or "cow."

Example Sentences

Bull-riding, still a staple on the U.S. rodeo circuit, originated in the vibrant vaquero tradition of charreadas — contests showcasing participants’ skills with horses, ropes and livestock.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Women arrive adorned with black lace hairpieces and painted tears a la Virgencita, as men blend dark accents with their Chicano workwear and vaquero boots.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

She’s a healer and he’s a vaquero, but both are still healing from a vampire attack when they were teenagers.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2023

The rostro vaquero competition is a cheeky nod to rural Mexican festivals where young women in elaborate dresses are crowned “princesses” or “queens.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2023

My father had been a vaquero all his life, a calling as ancient as the coming of the Spaniard to Nuevo Méjico.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

Related Words

• breeder
• herder
• herdsman