# maverick

/ˈmævɝɪk/ (US) · /mˈævəɹˌɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maverick
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 3. unbranded animal

noun · CEFR C2 · American English

a farm animal, like a cow, that has not been marked with a brand to show who owns it.

For teachers: an unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother.

- The cowboys spent the afternoon searching the hills for a lost maverick.
- Historically, any rancher who found a maverick on the open range could claim it by applying their own brand.

Usage: Primarily used in historical or agricultural contexts in the United States.

## Examples

- The new manager is a maverick who ignores traditional rules.
- The director was known as a maverick for filming without a script and hiring actors with no previous experience.
- While the political establishment viewed him as a dangerous maverick, his supporters saw a visionary leader who was finally willing to challenge the status quo.

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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.