Definition

A person, especially in the southwestern United States, who tends cattle and performs other tasks related to ranching, similar to a cowboy.

Example

The vaquero skillfully roped the calf during the rodeo.

Conversation

I just watched a movie about a vaquero in Texas.

That sounds interesting! Was it a classic cowboy story?

Yeah, it had all the elements — horses, cattle, and of course, the vaquero lifestyle.

I love those kinds of films; they really capture the spirit of the West.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Vaquero** → The word originates from Spanish, derived from "vaca" (meaning cow) and the suffix "-ero" (meaning one who). A vaquero is thus a person who works with cows, similar to a cowboy.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who works with 'cows' ('vaca') — that's what a vaquero does.

Visually Confused Words