ranch·er I. \ˈranchə(r), ˈraan-, ˈrain-, ˈrȧn-\noun (-s) Etymology: Mexican Spanish ranchero, from rancho small ranch + -ero -er — more at ranch 1.: one who owns, operates, or is employed on a ranch — called also ranchero, ranchman 2.: one who ranches a particular kind of animal < a mink rancher > < wise ranchers … naturally look for … qualities in selecting their fox and mink feed — American Fur Breeder > II. noun : ranch house 2