B2noun2K

Cowboy

UK /["/ˈkaʊbɔɪ/"]/US /["/ˈkaʊbɔɪ/"]/

Definition

a man who rides a horse and whose job is to take care of cattle in the western parts of the US

In simple words: A person who works on a ranch, herding cattle and riding horses.

Examples

  • old Hollywood cowboy movies

Usage notes

Used generally for both male and female ranch workers. Can imply a rugged, independent person. Avoid in formal contexts unless discussing culture or history.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'cow boy' riding a horse under the open sky.

Collocations

  • cowboy hat
  • cowboy boots
  • cowboy culture
  • cowboy life
  • cowboy rodeo

Synonyms

  • rancher
  • wrangler
  • cattleman
  • cowhand
  • drover

Antonyms

  • civilian
  • townsman
  • office worker

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'cowpoke' which is informal slang.
  • Used inappropriately in urban contexts where it sounds out of place.
  • Mispronounced with emphasis on incorrect syllable.