rancho /ˈɹɑːnt͡ʃoʊ/ noun2 •(US, no longer used) A large grazing farm where horses and cattle are raised; distinguished from hacienda, a cultivated farm or plantation.The nearest house, they told us, was a rancho, or cattle-farm, about three miles off. — 1840 •(US, no longer used) A simple hut, such as one with posts, covered with branches or thatch, where herdsmen or farm workers would lodge at night. formsranchoes · ranchos