One who tends free-range cattle, especially in the American West.
cowhand
Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for cowhand.
Editorial note
To this day, cowhand and ranchhand are mainly used in America.
Quick take
One who tends free-range cattle, especially in the American West.
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of cowhand gathered in one view.
Cowman or herdsman, especially to a dairy cattle herd.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for cowhand.
noun
One who tends free-range cattle, especially in the American West.
See also: cowpoke, puncher, cowboy, cattleman, cowpuncher
noun
Cowman or herdsman, especially to a dairy cattle herd.
See also: cowpoke, puncher, cowboy, cattleman, cowpuncher
Example sentences
To this day, cowhand and ranchhand are mainly used in America.
> The first historical record of the Marfa lights is that in 1883 a young cowhand, Robert Reed Ellison, saw a flickering light while he was driving cattle through Paisano Pass and wondered if it was the campfire of Apache Indians.
No theft has occurred!" An old cowhand, covering him with double barrel, spoke up, "Walll, guess he's right.
Regarding the other terms that were in use: Cowhand, ranchhand, drovers, stockmen etc etc.
Variations on the word appeared later, such as "cowhand" in about 1852 and "cowpoke" in 1881, originally restricted to individuals who prodded cattle with long poles to load them onto railroad cars for shipping.
("Cowboy -- Stockyards" is another category, as is cowpuncher; perhaps I should include 'cowpuncher' as another non-gender-specific alternative to cowhand?) This suggests that you and I have different styles; why did you not attempt to verify your beliefs before writing them?
Quote examples
No theft has occurred!" An old cowhand, covering him with double barrel, spoke up, "Walll, guess he's right.
Variations on the word appeared later, such as "cowhand" in about 1852 and "cowpoke" in 1881, originally restricted to individuals who prodded cattle with long poles to load them onto railroad cars for shipping.
("Cowboy -- Stockyards" is another category, as is cowpuncher; perhaps I should include 'cowpuncher' as another non-gender-specific alternative to cowhand?) This suggests that you and I have different styles; why did you not attempt to verify your beliefs before writing them?
Proper noun examples
Regarding the other terms that were in use: Cowhand, ranchhand, drovers, stockmen etc etc.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use cowhand in a sentence?
To this day, cowhand and ranchhand are mainly used in America.
What does cowhand mean?
One who tends free-range cattle, especially in the American West.
What part of speech is cowhand?
cowhand is commonly used as noun.