cowboy

noun

ˈkau̇-ˌbȯi How to pronounce cowboy (audio)
Definition of cowboynext
as in cowpoke
a hired hand who tends cattle or horses at a ranch or on the range cowboys were rounding up the cattle for branding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cowboy In the decades since, the piece has evolved to be made with leather cords instead—an alternative to the traditional stuffy tie—and worn by cowboys while riding. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Thus far her novels have covered hockey romance, fake dating, cowboys, football and more. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 The perfect cup of coffee with Kevin Costner After reading prior interviews Costner had done with other outlets, one thing felt surprising given the actor's tendency toward the ruggedly handsome, cowboy archetype. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Delafonte is Playboy Ray, a cocky, obnoxious, and supremely talented all-around cowboy. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cowboy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cowboy
  1. cowpoke
  2. cowhand
  3. buckaroo
  4. horseman
  5. cowman
  6. rancher
Noun
  • But the grizzled former Man in Black and man-who-failed-to-ground-Maverick isn’t known for playing the type of gruff ol’ cowpoke who’s about to break into song.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
  • The all-inclusive dude ranch is about a 90-minute drive from Reno, Nevada, and has invited travelers to get in touch with their inner cowpoke since 1962.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of cowpoke
Noun
  • Eastwood portrayed Rowdy Yates, the young cowhand who eventually matures into a leader.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Residents and visitors will line the streets to watch cowhands from various ranches herd more than 30 Longhorns through town, a tradition dating back to when the parade was a downtown cattle drive.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of cowhand
Noun
  • This hearty meal will satisfy your little (and big) buckaroos.
    — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
  • The project remains in its early stages, but initial details suggest a more casual, family-friendly approach that aligns with the tone of the buckaroo development.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Definition of buckaroo
Noun
  • At this point occurs the climax of the tale, Ichabod’s encounter with the headless horseman, whom the reader assumes is Brom Bones playing a mischievous trick on him.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Anne, who was born on August 15, 1950, first got married at age 23 to Captain Mark Phillips, an Olympic gold medal-winning horseman and military officer.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of horseman
Noun
  • The picture-perfect cowman’s paradise of Stockyards City is true to its stripes—and nowhere is this more evident than in Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The reply of my friend and hunting companion was one of those quaint, rasping epithets which only a cowman can manage when everything has gone wrong.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of cowman
Noun
  • After a rancher’s dog discovered a ferret colony in Wyoming, scientists rallied to save the species nearly undone by humans’ ravenous expansion.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Jake Weary was previously announced as rancher West while newcomer Sean O’Pry was cast to play record label owner Ford.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of rancher

Browse Nearby Words

cowards
cowboy
cowboy hat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cowboy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowboy. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cowboy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cowboy

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