maverick

[ mav-er-ik, mav-rik ]

noun

1. Southwestern U.S. an unbranded calf, cow, or steer, especially an unbranded calf that is separated from its mother.
2. 1. a lone dissenter, such as an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from their peers:

      His unusual techniques made him a maverick of modern dance.

   2. a person pursuing rebellious, even potentially disruptive, policies or ideas:

      You can't muzzle a maverick.

3. Maverick, an electro-optically guided U.S. air-to-ground tactical missile for destroying tanks and other hardened targets at ranges up to 15 miles (24 km).

adjective

1. unorthodox, unconventional, or nonconformist:

   She had a reputation as a maverick fiscal conservative willing to raise taxes.

maverick

/ ˈmævərɪk /

noun

1. (in US and Canadian cattle-raising regions) an unbranded animal, esp a stray calf
2. 1. a person of independent or unorthodox views
   2. ( as modifier )

      a maverick politician

Word History and Origins

Origin of maverick¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; named after Samuel A. Maverick (1803–70), Texas pioneer who left his calves unbranded

Word History and Origins

Origin of maverick¹

C19: after Samuel A. Maverick (1803–70), Texas rancher, who did not brand his cattle

Example Sentences

Having played and been in squads with Steve, he is not a maverick and he is not the charismatic leader, but that doesn't mean he can't be a really good coach.

From BBC

It was October 1982, and the maverick automaker had been hemorrhaging money.

From Los Angeles Times

Alamo Drafthouse, the maverick cinema chain known for its beer and food service, is set to finally open its long-awaited downtown Los Angeles location next month.

From Los Angeles Times

To supporters in full possession of their senses - ie pretty much every set of fans at this tournament bar the wonderful mavericks in the Tartan Army - this wouldn’t have been much of a big deal.

From BBC

Musty retreads of Ibsen and Chekhov, besides being counter to the maverick spirit of their play, can be soporific endurance tests.

From Los Angeles Times