1. a long rope with a running noose at one end, used especially by cowboys for catching cattle or horses
Usage: Western U.S.

Examples

• The cowboy twirled his lariat overhead before throwing it.
• She practiced with the lariat until she could rope a fence post every time.
• The rancher used a lariat to catch the runaway calf.
• He coiled the lariat neatly after bringing in the horse.
• The rodeo performer demonstrated expert skill with his lariat.
• A good lariat requires strong, flexible rope that won’t break under pressure.