Search Dictionary
Definition of cowcatcher

cowcatcher

/ˈkaʊˌkætʃ.ər/
cow · catch · er
Plural:cowcatchers
JUMP TO:

cowcatcher Lexical Profile

cowcatcher Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A wedge-shaped metal frame attached to the front of a railroad locomotive to clear obstacles, such as stray livestock, from the tracks and prevent derailment.

Example

"The vintage steam locomotive featured a heavy iron cowcatcher mounted beneath its headlamp."

2

North American A brief commercial announcement broadcast immediately before the start of a radio or television program.

Example

"The sponsor purchased a ten-second cowcatcher to air right before the evening news."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cowcatcher

• Nearby Words

cowberry
cowbird
cowboy
cowcatcher
cower
cowfish
cowgirl

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 19th-century American English, after the device invented in 1833 by English mathematician Charles Babbage to push wandering livestock and other obstacles off unfenced railway tracks.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cowcatcher. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cowcatcher
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.