plural donkeys
1
: the domestic ass (Equus asinus)
2
: a stupid or obstinate person

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
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.
From Chris Pratt's full working farm in Washington state to Amanda Seyfried's upstate New York escape surrounded by donkeys, horses and a bearded dragon, see all the celebrities who enjoy the affection — and the eggs! Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 18 June 2025 Raymond and her husband bought the land three decades ago to run a hobby farm, raising miniature donkeys, goats, chickens, horses, ducks and ponies. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 Over the years, the park featured unusual animals, like Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion and a donkey named Susie, who often led Lu around. Michaela Mulligan, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025 After posting a satirical video featuring a donkey as Venezuela’s president, two Andean firefighters were imprisoned. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for donkey

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of donkey was circa 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Donkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donkey. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

donkey

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on donkey

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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