vaquero

[ vah-kair-oh; Spanish vah-ke-raw ]

noun

, plural va·que·ros [vah-, kair, -ohz, vah-, ke, -raws].

1. Southwestern U.S. a cowboy or herdsman.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaquero¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Spanish, equivalent to vac(a) “cow” (from Latin vacca ) + -ero (from Latin -ārius ); -ary

Example Sentences

The two entered the ring waving Mexican and Peruvian flags dressed as vaqueros.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s a guide on the genre’s essential instruments, where to find the best música Mexicana-themed parties, where to shop for the perfect vaquero outfit and more.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the works is a Mexican vaquero.

From Los Angeles Times

The equestrian tradition of Western cattle raising is derivative not of anything Anglos brought to conquered Indigenous land but of the northern Mexican vaquero tradition.

From Los Angeles Times

The ranches, vaqueros and cowboys, the windbreaks and orchards may no longer exist.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breeder
• herder
• herdsman