# cowboy

/ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ/ (US) · /kˈaʊbɔɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cowboy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cattle worker

noun · CEFR A2

a person, usually a man, who looks after cattle on a large farm or ranch.

For teachers: a mounted herder of cattle, particularly associated with the historical and cultural context of the American West.

- The cowboy spent all day on his horse checking the fences and the cattle.
- The traditional image of the American cowboy has been heavily romanticised in cinema, often ignoring the harsh realities of seasonal ranch work.

### 2. reckless person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

someone who takes unnecessary risks or ignores rules to show off.

For teachers: an individual who acts in a reckless, independent, or flamboyant manner, often disregarding established procedures or safety.

- The police stopped the driver for being a cowboy on the motorway.
- The board of directors was wary of hiring such a cowboy, fearing his aggressive tactics might lead to legal complications for the firm.

### 3. dishonest tradesman

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

a worker who does a bad job or is dishonest, especially one who works for themselves.

For teachers: an incompetent or unscrupulous independent tradesperson who performs substandard work or overcharges customers.

- We hired a cowboy to fix the roof, and now it leaks even more.
- The local council issued a warning against cowboy builders who were targeting elderly residents with offers of cheap driveway repairs.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'cowboy builder' or 'cowboy plumber'.

### 4. to herd cattle

verb · CEFR C2 · American English

to work as a cowboy by looking after cattle.

For teachers: to perform the duties of a cowboy; specifically, to herd or tend cattle on a ranch.

- He spent his youth cowboying across the plains of Montana.
- After years of cowboying for various outfits, he finally saved enough money to purchase his own modest plot of land.

## Examples

- The cowboy builder left the roof leaking after taking our money.
- The city is cracking down on cowboy operators who ignore safety regulations to undercut legitimate businesses.
- Homeowners are often lured by low quotes from cowboy contractors, only to find that the structural work fails to meet even the most basic building codes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.