cowboy
n. · v.-
1 cattle worker (n.) A2 Elementarya person, usually a man, who looks after cattle on a large farm or ranch.
a mounted herder of cattle, particularly associated with the historical and cultural context of the American West.
ExampleThe cowboy spent all day on his horse checking the fences and the cattle.
ExampleThe traditional image of the American cowboy has been heavily romanticised in cinema, often ignoring the harsh realities of seasonal ranch work.
- rancher
- herder
- vaquero
-
2 reckless person (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalsomeone who takes unnecessary risks or ignores rules to show off.
an individual who acts in a reckless, independent, or flamboyant manner, often disregarding established procedures or safety.
ExampleThe police stopped the driver for being a cowboy on the motorway.
ExampleThe board of directors was wary of hiring such a cowboy, fearing his aggressive tactics might lead to legal complications for the firm.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 dishonest tradesman (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informala worker who does a bad job or is dishonest, especially one who works for themselves.
an incompetent or unscrupulous independent tradesperson who performs substandard work or overcharges customers.
ExampleWe hired a cowboy to fix the roof, and now it leaks even more.
ExampleThe 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'.
- rogue
- charlatan
-
4 to herd cattle (v.) C2 Proficiency American Englishto work as a cowboy by looking after cattle.
to perform the duties of a cowboy; specifically, to herd or tend cattle on a ranch.
ExampleHe spent his youth cowboying across the plains of Montana.
ExampleAfter years of cowboying for various outfits, he finally saved enough money to purchase his own modest plot of land.
PIE word *gʷṓws From cow + boy. More on Wikipedia.