What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cowboy
Example
The cowboy rode his horse into the sunset. [cowboy: noun]
Example
She learned how to lasso a calf from an experienced cowboy. [cowboy: adjective]
cowpoke
Example
The cowpoke rounded up the herd of cattle. [cowpoke: noun]
Example
He's a cowpoke at heart, always wearing his cowboy hat and boots. [cowpoke: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cowboy is more commonly used than cowpoke in everyday language and is more widely recognized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cowboy and cowpoke?
Cowboy is generally considered more formal than cowpoke, which is often used in casual or colloquial speech.
