longhorn

noun

long·​horn ˈlȯŋ-ˌhȯrn How to pronounce longhorn (audio)
1
a
: any of the long-horned cattle of Spanish derivation formerly common in the southwestern U.S.
b
: texas longhorn
2
or longhorn cheese : a firm-textured usually mild cheese (such as cheddar or Colby)

Examples of longhorn 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.
Ranch guests can take roping lessons, feed the longhorns, or explore the private hiking trails. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025 The carpet in the entrance is bespoke, incorporating colors from a Texas sunset along with cattle brand and longhorn designs. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Dec. 2025 The longhorns are from Flying U Rodeo, and the cattle are provided by rancher Reno Rosser. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 Elements included in the jewelry designs will feature stars, feathers, 4×4 trucks, cowboy hats, longhorns, horses and horseshoes. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for longhorn

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of longhorn was in 1857

Phrases Containing longhorn

Rhymes for longhorn

See All Rhymes for longhorn

Browse Nearby Words

long hop
longhorn
long-horned beetle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Longhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longhorn. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

longhorn

noun
long·​horn -ˌhȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce longhorn (audio)
: any of the cattle with long horns that were formerly common in the southwestern U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on longhorn

Nglish: Translation of longhorn for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All