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.
The video than transitions to feature a series of clips showing how some other donkeys that live on the same farm as Waffles behave on a daily basis. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Archie expertly held Guy's leash as the father and son walked to see some mini donkeys behind a fence, and Harry squatted for a closer look. Janine Henni, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025 Mules, donkeys, and horses are also available to rent. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024 The book includes cats and dogs, of course, but there are some unexpected appearances: a tortoise, rat, donkey, pig, bird, a few goats and a cow. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near donkey

Cite this Entry

“Donkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donkey. Accessed 21 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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