cowgirl

[ kou-gurl ]

noun

1. a woman who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western U.S., and who traditionally goes about most of her work on horseback.
2. a woman who exhibits the skills attributed to such cowgirls, especially in rodeos.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cowgirl¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; cow ¹ + girl

Example Sentences

Depending on how close you end up sitting, you may even taste some of the dirt thrown from the ring as champion cowgirl Kandra Demery whirls about the strategically placed obstacles during her barrel races.

From Los Angeles Times

Evoke rugged cowgirl with the large brushed leather tote, or latex queen with the shiny crinkled leather minibag.

From Los Angeles Times

Women attending the rodeo wore sparkling cowgirl hats in homage to Beyoncé.

From Los Angeles Times

They loved riding their horses through the hills behind their home, and regularly traveled to other cities to ride their horses in parades, decked out in traditional Mexican cowboy and cowgirl attire.

From Los Angeles Times

Songs like “II Most Wanted” and “Levii’s Jeans” could be plot-break montages while our conquering cowgirl hangs with some sidekicks she meets along the way.

From New York Times

Related Words

• farmer