What does lariat mean?
A lariat is a long rope or noose used to catch and control livestock such as cattle, horses, and calves. It is especially associated with ranching, cowboys, rodeos, and the American West, although the word is also used in Mexico and other parts of Spanish-speaking America. A skilled handler can throw the loop over an animal and draw the rope taut, often with considerable control rather than brute force. The related word lasso is more general and may refer either to the rope itself or to the act of catching an animal with it. Lariat can also function as a verb, as in “to lariat a steer,” but that form is less common. The word carries a distinctly Western and occupational character, evoking cattle herding, ranch work, and rodeo traditions.
A long rope, cord, or noose used to catch and restrain livestock, especially cattle and horses.
"The ranch hand coiled his lariat beside the saddle."
Chiefly American, particularly associated with ranching, rodeos, and the western United States.
To catch, restrain, or bring down an animal with a lariat.
"The rider lariats the calf and turns it back toward the herd."
This verb form is relatively uncommon outside contexts involving ranching or rodeo.
The regular plural refers to individual lariats or to multiple pieces of lariat equipment.
"Several lariats hung from the pegboard in the tack room."
The lariat comes from the American West, where a single length of rope became a working companion for cattle herders, cowboys, and rodeos.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lariat
The word was borrowed from Spanish la reata, meaning a lasso or rope, with the form riata also appearing historically. Spanish reata is generally traced to Latin rota, meaning “wheel,” and related English words include lasso and the more distantly related rotary. The English term became especially established in American ranching and cowboy culture.
Related word forms
How lariat is actually used
Lariat is chiefly associated with ranching, the American West, and rodeo. Lasso is more widely used, while lariat is especially common when emphasizing the rope, the equipment, or the Western setting. The verb is understood but is less frequent than the noun.
Easily confused with lariat
A lariat is a particular rope or noose used to catch livestock, whereas a lasso can refer either to the rope or to the act of catching an animal with it.