cowboy
5 synonyms for cowboy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person, especially in the American West, who herds and tends cattle, traditionally on horseback.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cowboy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cowboy hat
cowboy boots
cowboy builder
The "reckless worker" sense is informal and often mildly insulting.
Etymology
Simply cow + boy, referring to someone who works cattle.
Full origin of cowboy →Frequently asked questions
What does “cowboy” mean?
The word “cowboy” means a person, especially in the American West, who herds and tends cattle, traditionally on horseback. In plain terms, a cattle herder, or, informally, someone reckless and unprofessional.
How do you pronounce “cowboy”?
“Cowboy” is pronounced KOW-boy (/ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cowboy” in a sentence?
Here is “cowboy” used in a sentence: “The cowboy rounded up the strays before nightfall.”
What part of speech is “cowboy”?
Depending on how it is used, “cowboy” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “cowboy” a common word?
“Cowboy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cowboy” have?
“Cowboy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, especially in the American West, who herds and tends cattle, traditionally on horseback.
What is the difference between a cowboy and a rancher?
A cowboy is the person who does the hands-on work of herding and tending cattle, traditionally on horseback, while a rancher is typically the owner or manager of the ranch and its livestock business. A rancher may employ cowboys to do the daily herding work rather than doing it personally.
What does it mean to call someone a cowboy in business?
Calling someone a cowboy informally describes a person who acts recklessly or without proper care, especially in business dealings or trade work such as building or plumbing. This usage, common in British English, implies the person cuts corners or works without the necessary skill or caution.
Is cowboy ever used as a verb?
Yes, though less commonly, cowboy can be used as a verb meaning to work herding cattle. This usage is mostly seen in American ranching contexts rather than everyday conversation.
