cowboy

verb

cowboyed; cowboying; cowboys

intransitive verb

: to work as a cowboy

cowboyed in Texas and Oklahoma

Did you know?

In the American West, a horseman skilled at handling cattle is called a cowboy. From ca.1820, cowboys were employed in small numbers on Texas ranches. After the Civil War, their numbers rapidly multiplied as cattle-raising evolved into a lucrative industry throughout the western territories. Cowboys rounded up and branded the cattle, kept watch over the herd, and drove those ready for market to railroad towns. As the agricultural frontier moved west, the open range was transformed into farms, and by 1890 cowboys had been forced to settle on ranches. The romance of their image lives on in American folklore and through movies and television.

Examples of cowboy in a Sentence

He cowboyed in Texas and Oklahoma.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its slouchy fit with wide-leg bottoms allows for lots of air flow and breathability—and looks boho-cool, especially with your choice of rich colors and whimsical illustrations (with nods to cowboy quiet luxury). —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2025

Right-handed reliever Zach Agnos is ready to cowboy up. —Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2025

Kayce wants to cowboy and be happy with his family. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024

While Tubac may be the oldest city, World Atlas, a geography website, compiled a list of other old Arizona cities and towns ranging from former mining communities to cowboy territories. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cowboy

• cowboy boot
• cowboy hat
• drugstore cowboy

Rhymes for cowboy

• ahoy
• alloy
• annoy
• carboy
• convoy
• decoy
• deploy
• destroy
• employ
• employe
• enjoy
• kilroy

Kids Definition

cowboy

noun

cow·​boy

-ˌbȯi

: one who tends cattle or horses

especially : a mounted cattle-ranch worker