What does maverick mean?
A maverick is someone who pursues an independent course and does not simply accept the opinions, methods, or authority of a larger group. In modern English, the word is most common for a person regarded as an unusually independent thinker, often a political maverick, artistic maverick, or business maverick. It can carry admiration for originality and courage, but it may also imply that the person is unconventional, difficult, or willing to challenge established rules. The word originally referred to an unbranded calf, especially in the cattle country of the southwestern United States, before developing its familiar figurative sense. That history gives maverick a vivid meaning: unlike a branded animal whose ownership is clearly marked, a maverick follows its own path. The term remains especially common in North American English, but it is now widely understood internationally.
An independent-minded person who does not conform to the beliefs or practices of a group; also, historically and in rural usage, an unbranded calf or animal.
"Several creative mavericks helped reshape the local music scene."
The figurative sense is usually positive or mildly critical, depending on the speaker's attitude.
Independent, unconventional, or resistant to established authority or convention.
"The studio was known for its maverick design philosophy."
Commonly used in the phrase maverick politician and with professional or artistic roles.
The regular plural is used for independent-minded people and, in the animal sense, for unbranded calves or animals.
"The article profiles several political mavericks who challenged conventional party thinking."
The word began with cattle: a maverick was originally an unbranded calf, and the label later became a metaphor for anyone who would not be penned in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does maverick come from?
The word maverick comes from the surname Maverick, which became associated with Samuel Maverick, a nineteenth-century Texas rancher known for marking unbranded calves with his brand. The noun originally denoted an unbranded calf. By the late nineteenth century, it was used figuratively for an independent person who refused to follow the established course. The modern sense of an unconventional individual developed from this cattle-raising metaphor.
Related word forms
How maverick is actually used
When referring to a person, the term is usually mildly admiring or neutral, though it can suggest an abrasive or disruptive personality depending on context. The animal sense is chiefly rural and North American. The adjective is often used before words such as politician, player, artist, and approach.
Easily confused with maverick
A maverick is someone who acts independently or unconventionally, whereas meticulous means extremely careful about details.