mechanical bull

noun

plural mechanical bulls

: a mechanical ride usually in the shape of a bull that rocks and rotates unpredictably while the rider tries not to fall off

She downs a beer and eyes the mechanical bull. For five bucks, she signs a waiver and hangs on tight …

—Marc Ramirez

… its first-ever rodeo-themed pop-up bar, featuring curated cocktails, a mechanical bull and shareable bites.

—San Antonio Express-News (online)

They started training on a mechanical bull … to learn their form and how to stay on.

—Western Magazine (Australia)

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above