rodeo

noun ro·deo \ ˈrō-dē-ˌō , rə-ˈdā-(ˌ)ō \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of rodeo

plural rodeos

1 : roundup

2 a : a public performance featuring bronco riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and Brahma bull riding

b : a contest resembling a rodeo

See rodeo defined for English-language learners

See rodeo defined for kids

Recent Examples of rodeo from the Web

This isn’t Washington’s first rodeo on the production side.

— refinery29.com, "So This Is What Kerry Washington Is Doing Post Scandal," 5 June 2018
What began as a hardware store and beauty salon on the Brighton Reservation was transitioned into a bingo hall in 1980 by tribal member and rodeo cowboy Josiah Johns, whom the restaurant is named for.

— steve waters, miamiherald, "Despite warm temperatures, bass are still spawning and creating some thrilling fishing," 1 June 2018
Brady’s dear pal Lane Scott, sidelined from rodeo and developmentally disabled by an even worse injury, appears as himself.

— colin covert, kansascity, "In masterful ‘The Rider,’ a cowboy faces life outside the rodeo," 31 May 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding at St. George’s Chapel was not Charlotte’s first rodeo.

— ashley hoffman, Time, "Princess Charlotte Kept an Eager Bridesmaid in Line Because the Sun Never Sets on a Boss," 24 May 2018
That included the junior court, the Lil Britches rodeo at Alpenrose Dairy, and starting around the late '70s and early '80s, the Milk Carton Boat Races.

— lizzy acker, OregonLive.com, "The Rose Festival Junior Parade turns 100," 21 May 2018
Celebrate spring as the apple orchards in the area begin to bloom May 11-13 with folk music, a pancake breakfast, a rodeo and more.

— chelsey lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, Journeys Marathon and more to do around Wisconsin," 6 May 2018
This isn’t Olivia Wilde’s first rodeo; the actress has more than a few awards shows—and the celebrations that follow—under her seasoned belt.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Here's How Olivia Wilde Got Ready for The Oscars After Party," 5 Mar. 2018
His latest book, The Last Cowboys, about a rodeo family in southern Utah, was published this month.

— megan michelson, Outside Online, "The Pulitzer-Winning Chronicler of Cowboys and Climbers," 18 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rodeo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rodeo

Spanish, from rodear to surround, from rueda wheel, from Latin rota — more at roll

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1819

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

rodeo

verb

Definition of rodeo

rodeoed; rodeoing; rodeos

intransitive verb

: to participate in a rodeo

Recent Examples of rodeo from the Web

His father, who rodeoed around Wisconsin in his spare time, raised cattle for dairy farms.

— roy bragg, San Antonio Express-News, "The non-Texan professional cowboy is a thing," 11 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of rodeo

1951

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

RODEO Defined for English Language Learners

rodeo

noun

Definition of rodeo for English Language Learners

: an event in which people compete at riding horses and bulls, catching animals with ropes, etc.

RODEO Defined for Kids

rodeo

noun ro·deo \ ˈrō-dē-ˌō , rə-ˈdā-ō \

Definition of rodeo for Students

plural rodeos

: an exhibition that features cowboy skills (as riding and roping)

Learn More about rodeo

See words that rhyme with rodeo Spanish Central: Translation of rodeo Nglish: Translation of rodeo for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rodeo

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rodeo

Definition of rodeo

Recent Examples of rodeo from the Web

Origin and Etymology of rodeo

rodeo

Definition of rodeo

Recent Examples of rodeo from the Web

First Known Use of rodeo

RODEO Defined for English Language Learners

rodeo

Definition of rodeo for English Language Learners

RODEO Defined for Kids

rodeo

Definition of rodeo for Students

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