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

At the moment, six horses and 13 donkeys, along with a dog and a clutter of feral cats, share the property. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024

Some were on foot, while others were on bicycles, in cars or piled onto carts drawn by donkeys. —Eric Nagourney, New York Times, 12 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