(especially in the western US) a man who herds and tends cattle, performing much of his work on horseback

they were the first cowboys to breed cattle and sheep in Montana

they are always playing cowboys and Indians

a dishonest or careless person in trade or business, especially an unqualified one

these cowboys can only operate if people are prepared to pay them for a poor job

cowboy coach firms are alleged to have flouted safety rules

work as a cowboy