lariat

noun

lar·​i·​at ˈler-ē-ət How to pronounce lariat (audio)
: a long light rope (as of hemp or leather) used with a running noose to catch livestock or with or without the noose to tether grazing animals : lasso

Examples of lariat in a Sentence

the cowboy could throw a lariat around a running steer's head from 20 yards away
Recent Examples on the Web The Myriad choker is all white diamonds, with double rows of metal spikes emanating outwards in a V shape, tied with a rope-like twist of gold that is set with diamonds, culminating in the front with a lariat set with Louis Vuitton logos in diamonds. Carol Besler, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The tight-plunging looks are as fitting for him as for her, accented by a lariat gold chain. Colleen Barry, Quartz, 22 Feb. 2024 The deputy’s partner then grabs a lariat and gets another loop around the deer’s midsection. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 11 Oct. 2023 With such a glamorous design, Chopra finished the look with simple Bulgari jewelry, including a diamond lariat necklace and hoop earrings. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 22 June 2023 Sienna Miller in a Boucheron tassel lariat. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022 Grant hung his lariat on a nail in disgust, sat on the ground, and watched Rufus practice. Thomas McGuane, The New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2022 Jemma Wynne’s lariat with diamond slider and diamond end tips can be layered with shorter necklaces or worn on it’s own. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 11 July 2022 At least one of the agents at the center of the probe — the officer seen wielding a rope known as a lariat while grabbing a migrant by the collar — has not yet been contacted for an interview. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lariat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish la reata the lasso, from Spanish la the + American Spanish reata lasso, from Spanish reatar to tie again, from re- + atar to tie, from Latin aptare to fit — more at adapt

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lariat was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near lariat

Cite this Entry

“Lariat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lariat. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lariat

noun
lar·​i·​at ˈlar-ē-ət How to pronounce lariat (audio)
: a rope with a noose used to catch livestock or to tie up grazing animals : lasso

More from Merriam-Webster on lariat

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