rodeo

1 of 2

noun

ro·​deo ˈrō-dē-ˌō  rə-ˈdā-(ˌ)ō 

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

rodeo

2 of 2

verb

rodeoed; rodeoing; rodeos

intransitive verb

: to participate in a rodeo

Examples of rodeo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fans can also look forward to performances by the iconic Silver Spurs Quadrille, the adorable antics of kids competing in Mutton Bustin’, and plenty of laughs courtesy of the ever-entertaining rodeo clowns. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025

North Texas rodeo legend Roy Cooper lived life to the fullest and left an unforgettable legacy behind him, family and friends said at his memorial service Monday. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025

Verb

After Jimmy breaks his promise to John (Kevin Costner) to not rodeo ever again, he's sent over to the Sixes to become a real cowboy. —Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, 21 Feb. 2022

After Jimmy broke his promise to John (Kevin Costner) — to not rodeo ever again — the ranch hand eventually returned to Yellowstone. —Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, 18 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rodeo

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

rodeo

noun

ro·​deo

ˈrōd-ē-ˌō,

rə-ˈdā-ō

plural rodeos

1

: a roundup of cattle

2

: an exhibition featuring cowboy skills (as riding and roping)

Etymology

Noun

from Spanish rodear "to surround," from rueda "a wheel," from Latin rota (same meaning)