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

Bennett had a previous career as a farrier and spends his summers competing in local ranch rodeos. —Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024

But Beyoncé, who grew up in the rodeo mecca of Houston, is doing more than sparking a fashion trend with her Cowboy Carter looks. —Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2024

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

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)