cowboy
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈkaʊbɔɪ/
KK: /ˈkaʊbɔɪ/
noun
Definition
A person, often in the western United States, who takes care of cattle and works on horseback. They are known for their adventurous spirit and skills in managing livestock.
Example
The cowboy rode across the open plains, herding the cattle with ease.
Conversation
Have you ever wanted to be a cowboy?
That sounds exciting, riding horses and working with cattle!
Yeah, I think it would be a great adventure.
For sure! Plus, the lifestyle seems really cool and laid-back.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cowpoke
vaquero
wrangler
Antonyms
townsman
settler
civilian
verb
Definition
To work as a person who tends cattle and performs various tasks on a ranch, often associated with riding horses and herding livestock.
Example
He decided to cowboy on a ranch during the summer.
Tense Forms
Past: cowboyed
Past Participle: cowboyed
Conversation
Did you know my uncle used to cowboy in Texas?
No way! That sounds like an adventure.
Yeah, he has some wild stories about life on the ranch.
Root Explanation
**Cowboy** → The word is formed from "cow" (from Old English *cu*, meaning a domesticated bovine animal) and "boy" (from Old English *bōia*, meaning a young man or servant). A cowboy is thus a young man or servant who tends to cattle.
Memory Tip
Think of a young man ('boy') who takes care of cows — that's what a cowboy does.
Visually Confused Words
lowboy
comboy
bowboy
cowy