lone ranger

noun

often capitalized L&R
: one who acts alone and without consultation or the approval of others
broadly : loner

Examples of lone ranger in a Sentence

something of a lone ranger among anthropologists, she does her research without either a lending hand or an eye toward trendy topics
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while his rivals have landed serious blows against him, he’s embraced the tabloid-style frenzy at each of those junctures, incorporating them into his narrative identity as an underappreciated lone ranger constantly battling the world. TIME, 7 May 2024 Look, first of all, Netanyahu is not a lone ranger. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2024 Each bike in the lineup is powered by the same 1,203 cc V-twin that pumps out 120 hp, but the new year will see new styling and colors for the FTR Sport, as well as a few choice performance modifications to help America’s lone ranger compete against the aforementioned competition. Peter Jackson, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2022 But don’t mistake him for a lone ranger. Dan Hurley, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2016 The desperate situation usually has an alternative, if only the lone ranger would tolerate his own vulnerability and fallibility. Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2021 Kaneland pitcher Emilee Erickson, wearing a protective face mask in Friday’s Class 3A state semifinal, was no lone ranger. Rick Armstrong, Aurora Beacon-News, 9 June 2018 Hanes doesn't believe J. Edgar Hoover or the Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved, nor a group of lone rangers. Ivana Hrynkiw, AL.com, 4 Apr. 2018 But, Adrienne, the press is already convinced that Donald Trump has a lone ranger style. Fox News, 11 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Lone Ranger, hero of an American radio and television western

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lone ranger was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near lone ranger

Cite this Entry

“Lone ranger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lone%20ranger. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lone ranger

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!