# rancher

/ˈɹæntʃɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈɑːntʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rancher
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a person who owns or manages a very large farm where animals like cattle or sheep are raised. You usually find them in places with lots of open land, like the American West.

For teachers: a person who owns or operates a large farm dedicated to the breeding and raising of livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, or horses. Typically associated with extensive land use in North America and Australia.

## Examples

- The rancher checks on his cattle every morning.
- After the long drought, the rancher had to buy extra hay to feed her herd through the winter.
- Local ranchers expressed concern that the new environmental regulations would restrict their access to public grazing lands and increase the cost of maintaining their livestock.

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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.