donkey engine

noun

1
: a small usually portable auxiliary engine
2
: a small locomotive used in switching

Examples of donkey engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The donkey engine is turned off when all the other cylinders are operating – similar to a starter motor. New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of donkey engine was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near donkey engine

Cite this Entry

“Donkey engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donkey%20engine. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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