rustlers
word · lemma: rustler
Definition
People who steal cattle or other livestock, especially as part of organized criminal activity, usually in rural areas.
Usage & Nuances
"Rustlers" is mostly used in the context of the American West or rural settings. It refers specifically to those who steal cattle, not just any thief. It is now somewhat old-fashioned, but still understood in movies, books, and discussions about ranching.
Example Sentences
The sheriff caught three rustlers last night.
basic
Rustlers stole ten cows from our farm.
basic
Farmers sometimes work together to protect their cattle from rustlers.
basic
We saw some rustlers sneaking through the pasture after dark.
natural
"Ever since those rustlers showed up, we've had to stay on guard every night," said the rancher.
natural
In old western movies, rustlers were usually the bad guys trying to steal the hero's cattle.
natural