sombrero

noun

som·​bre·​ro səm-ˈbrer-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce sombrero (audio)
säm-
plural sombreros
: an often high-crowned hat of felt or straw with a very wide brim worn especially in the Southwest and Mexico

Illustration of sombrero

Illustration of sombrero

Examples of sombrero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to the study, this type of unrest is characterized by a sombrero pattern, where the landmass in the center of the volcano rises, while the land around it sinks. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 These features give the appearance of a rounded crown and broad brim of a sombrero, for which the galaxy is named, according to a statement from NASA. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The team members also have to purchase custom sombreros, dresses, saddles and other accessories required by the sport. Daniel Eduardo Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 On the seventh pitch of their duel, McCaughan, who pitched the final two innings of Thursday’s game, caught Altuve looking, giving him a rare, undesirable platinum sombrero. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sombrero

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from sombra shade

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sombrero was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sombrero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sombrero. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

sombrero

noun
som·​bre·​ro səm-ˈbre(ə)r-ō How to pronounce sombrero (audio)
säm-
plural sombreros
: a tall hat with a very wide brim worn especially in the Southwest and Mexico
Etymology

from Spanish sombrero "a wide-brimmed hat," from sombra "shade"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!