# rancho

/ˈɹæntʃoʊ/ (US) · /ɹˈɑːntʃəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rancho
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a large farm or a simple house in the countryside, especially in Spanish-speaking parts of the Americas. It is often used to describe a place where animals like cattle are raised.

For teachers: a large cattle ranch or a small, rural dwelling, primarily in Latin America or the Southwestern United States. Often carries a regional or dialectal flavor depending on the specific geographic context.

## Examples

- The family lives on a small rancho in the mountains.
- After years of working in the city, he retired to a quiet rancho to raise horses.
- The historical narrative details the transition of the territory from colonial missions to private ranchos, which fundamentally altered the local economy and land distribution patterns.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in regional English dialects influenced by Spanish; may refer to a grand estate or a humble hut depending on the country.

---

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.