cowboy
cowboy Lexical Profile
cowboy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person, traditionally on horseback in the western United States and Canada, who herds and tends cattle on a ranch.
"The seasoned cowboy spent the autumn months rounding up stray cattle across the open range."
An athlete who competes in rodeo events such as bronco riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling.
"Every July, the championship rodeo attracts the most skilled cowboys from across the country."
British A dishonest, unqualified, or unscrupulous tradesperson or business operator who performs shoddy work.
"Homeowners were warned to check official accreditations to avoid hiring a cowboy for roof repairs."
American A reckless, impulsive, or overly independent person who ignores established rules, protocols, or authority.
"The aviation safety board has no tolerance for a cowboy who disregards standard flight checklists."
• verb
American To work as a ranch hand herding and tending cattle on horseback.
"He cowboyed on several large ranches in Montana before buying land of his own."
American To act in a reckless, aggressive, or flamboyantly independent manner without regard for rules or safety.
"The supervisor reprimanded the driver for cowboying the forklift through the narrow warehouse aisles."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'cowboy' is frequently used as a derogatory noun or modifier for a dishonest, unqualified, or reckless tradesperson (e.g., 'cowboy builders'), whereas in American English it primarily evokes either the traditional ranch worker or a bold, maverick persona.
• Rhymes for cowboy
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 18th century as an Irish and English compound of 'cow' and 'boy' denoting a youth who tended grazing cattle. The term acquired its iconic American Western sense in the 19th century through contact with the Spanish 'vaquero' tradition in Texas and Mexico.