A large farm, especially in North America, where horses, beef cattle, or sheep are raised. It can also refer to a style of single-story house or a type of creamy salad dressing.
From Mexican Spanish 'rancho,' meaning 'small farm' or 'group of persons eating together,' derived from 'rancharse' meaning 'to take up quarters.' The word entered American English in the 19th century during westward expansion and Mexican territorial acquisition.
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