A cowboy is an iconic North American animal herder, primarily tending cattle on ranches, traditionally on horseback, whose rich history traces back to the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and ultimately to early European settlers from Spain. This figure gained significant legendary status in the late 19th-century American West, developing distinct styles of equipment and handling that have adapted to the modern world while preserving classic traditions.
The English word "cowboy" evolved from the Spanish vaquero, first appearing in print in 1725, but it didn't acquire its modern meaning of an adult American West cattle handler until 1849. Beyond herding, cowboys perform various ranch tasks, including working in rodeos, while "wranglers" specifically tend horses, and "cowgirls" have achieved considerable respect in identical modern roles, paralleled by cattle handlers in regions like South America and Australia.