donkey

noun

don·​key ˈdäŋ-kē  ˈdəŋ-  ˈdȯŋ- 

plural donkeys

1

: the domestic ass (Equus asinus)

2

: a stupid or obstinate person

Synonyms

• ass
• burro
• jackass
• moke [British slang]

Examples of donkey in a Sentence

we put our bags on the donkey and headed down the canyon

called him a donkey when he refused to go along with their plans

Recent Examples on the Web

On another show, to collect on the bet, Smith brought out a donkey for Barkley to kiss. —Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 28 May 2024

Dayana talks about being treated like an animal by Elias, and with the donkeys and goat and chickens always around in the motel yard, that metaphor feels heavy-handed. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing donkey

• donkey engine
• donkey jacket
• donkey's years
• talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey

Kids Definition

donkey

noun

don·​key ˈdäŋ-kē  ˈdəŋ-  ˈdȯŋ- 

plural donkeys

1

: a sturdy domestic mammal that is classified with the asses and is used especially to carry things

2

: a stupid or stubborn person