cowboy
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a person, usually a man, who looks after cattle on a large farm or ranch.
n.a mounted herder of cattle, particularly associated with the historical and cultural context of the American West.
Simple“The cowboy spent all day on his horse checking the fences and the cattle.”
In context“The traditional image of the American cowboy has been heavily romanticised in cinema, often ignoring the harsh realities of seasonal ranch work.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.someone who takes unnecessary risks or ignores rules to show off.
n.an individual who acts in a reckless, independent, or flamboyant manner, often disregarding established procedures or safety.
Simple“The police stopped the driver for being a cowboy on the motorway.”
In context“The board of directors was wary of hiring such a cowboy, fearing his aggressive tactics might lead to legal complications for the firm.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a worker who does a bad job or is dishonest, especially one who works for themselves.
n.an incompetent or unscrupulous independent tradesperson who performs substandard work or overcharges customers.
Simple“We hired a cowboy to fix the roof, and now it leaks even more.”
In context“The local council issued a warning against cowboy builders who were targeting elderly residents with offers of cheap driveway repairs.”
UsageOften used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'cowboy builder' or 'cowboy plumber'.
SynonymsroguecharlatanAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to work as a cowboy by looking after cattle.
v.to perform the duties of a cowboy; specifically, to herd or tend cattle on a ranch.
Simple“He spent his youth cowboying across the plains of Montana.”
In context“After years of cowboying for various outfits, he finally saved enough money to purchase his own modest plot of land.”
Synonyms
“He worked as a cowboy and eventually bought his ranch in 1908.”
PIE word *gʷṓws From cow + boy. More on Wikipedia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.