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

Dylan went on just as dusk settled, and the stage lit up like a noir rodeo, revealing Dylan’s signature piano. —Brady Gerber, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025

Two days of family-friendly rodeo and competitive equestrian events that on Saturday will include barrel racing, followed by pole bending, as well as horse health and wellness clinics. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 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)