rancher

noun

ranch·​er ˈran-chər How to pronounce rancher (audio)
Synonyms of ranchernext
: one who owns or works on a ranch

Examples of rancher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the syndrome now threatens farmers, ranchers, hunters, and foresters across the South and the Midwest. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 It was built for miners, farmers, railroad workers, mechanics, ranchers, and builders. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Delaney said some local rancher friends donated a few hundred feathers to her from their flock of heirloom turkeys. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026 The fire is moving so rapidly that authorities urged ranchers and residents to cut their fences so their animals might have a better chance of surviving. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rancher

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rancher was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

ranche
rancher
rancheria
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rancher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rancher. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rancher

noun
ranch·​er ˈran-chər How to pronounce rancher (audio)
: a person who owns or works on a ranch

More from Merriam-Webster on rancher

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rancher

Nglish: Translation of rancher for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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