jackeroo

American  

[jak-uh-roo] / ˌdʒæk əˈru /

Or jackaroo

noun

plural

jackeroos

1. an inexperienced person working as an apprentice on a sheep ranch.

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verb (used without object)

jackerooed, jackerooing

1. to work as an apprentice on a sheep ranch.

jackeroo British  

/ ˌdʒækəˈruː /

noun

1. informal a young male management trainee on a sheep or cattle station

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Etymology

Origin of jackeroo

1875–80; jack ¹ + (kang)aroo; -eroo

Example Sentences

In 1964, he signed up as a ranch hand, known as a jackeroo, after embellishing his abilities on horseback, and was sent to the Kimberley, a vast region in northwestern Australia.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2023

The trek doesn’t go quite as planned, and Lola takes a job as a jackeroo — the term is explained — at the winery’s nearby sheep farm.

From New York Times • May 18, 2022

"Turn sharp to the left, and follow the fence," replied the jackeroo.

From The Shadow of a Man by Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)

The words of the jackeroo the night before had struck home.

From My Brilliant Career by Franklin, Miles

"But you will, you know!" the jackeroo reminded her.

From The Shadow of a Man by Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)