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.
The high prices are adding to pain for cattle ranchers in western states, who were already struggling with persistent drought. — Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 This amendment might seem a little in the weeds — and mostly in the interest of farmers and ranchers looking for tax breaks. — Neel Dhanesha, Vox, 23 Oct. 2026 Despite Villa Domínguez’s nine remaining Jews, the museum remains an important part of the town, tracing the history of Argentinian Jewish ranchers, farmers and the cowboys known as gauchos. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The land the tribe inhabited before being evicted is now divided among ranchers, government agencies and a conservation nonprofit. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

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