noun
cowboy
KOW-boy
noun
1
A person, especially in the American West, who herds and tends cattle, traditionally on horseback.
"The cowboy rounded up the strays before nightfall."
2
Informal: someone who acts recklessly or without proper care, especially in business or trade work.
"Don't hire that builder — he's a real cowboy who cuts corners."
verb
1
To work herding cattle.
"He spent his twenties cowboying on ranches in Wyoming."
How to Use Cowboy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cattle herder, or, informally, someone reckless and unprofessional.
When to use it
The "reckless worker" sense is informal and often mildly insulting.
Common pairings
cowboy hat
cowboy boots
cowboy builder
Word Forms
cowboyed past tense, cowboys singular
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The _____ rounded up the strays before nightfall.
Etymology
Simply cow + boy, referring to someone who works cattle.