A maverick is an animal, usually a form of cattle, that does not carry a brand. The term "maverick" comes from Samuel Maverick, a rancher who was notorious for not branding his cattle. Other analogous U.S. terms include slick, hairy dick, and, in Spanish-speaking areas of the Southwest, orejano. In other parts of the world, different terms are used. In Australia and New Zealand, for example, an unbranded animal is a cleanskin).

In the American Old West, unbranded cattle could be branded and claimed by any rancher able to capture and brand the animal. However, in modern times, there are few true mavericks, as most cattle run on private ranches, usually calving close to a ranch where young calves are easily captured and branded prior to being turned out to grazing leases on public lands. When a mature, unbranded animal is found today, the most common practice is to make a concerted effort to locate a possible owner, and then, if the animal cannot be identified, to put it up for public auction at a Sheriffs sale, where the proceeds usually cover the cost of impounding the animal and attempting to locate an owner.

The term "maverick" is also used to describe a person who acts free from constraints or organizational guidelines. A maverick person is independent and does not go along with a group or party. For example, Rosanne Cash, who has been a maverick during her lengthy career, has gone in another direction with her music, even when her record company wanted more of the same.