donkey

American  

[dong-kee, dawng-, duhng-] / ˈdɒŋ ki, ˈdɔŋ-, ˈdʌŋ- /

noun

• donkeys
  plural

1. the domestic ass, Equus asinus.

2. (since 1874) a representation of this animal as the emblem of the U.S. Democratic Party.

3. a stupid, silly, or obstinate person.

4. a woodworking apparatus consisting of a clamping frame and saw, used for cutting marquetry veneers.

---

adjective

1. Machinery. auxiliary.

   donkey engine; donkey pump; donkey boiler.

donkey British  

/ ˈdɒŋkɪ /

noun

1. Also called: ass. a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family ( Equidae ), descended from the African wild ass ( Equus asinus )

2. a stupid or stubborn person

3. slang a footballer known for his or her lack of skill

   the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys

4. to talk endlessly

---

donkey Cultural  

1. A symbol (see also symbol) of the Democratic party, introduced in a series of political cartoons by Thomas Nast during the congressional elections of 1874. (Compare elephant.)

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• donkeys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of donkey

First recorded in 1775–85; of uncertain origin; perhaps alteration of Dunkey, diminutive name or pet form of Duncan, man's name; perhaps a derivative of dun “dull, grayish brown”

Explanation

A donkey is a four-legged domesticated farm animal with hooves that's related to the horse. Donkeys are known for the braying sound they make and their long ears. Farmers often keep donkeys for pulling carts, carrying heavy loads, or even for guarding flocks of sheep. In some places, donkeys are ridden like horses or kept as calming companions for nervous horses. The word donkey was first used as slang for the animal then only called an ass. It was probably modeled after monkey, with which it originally rhymed, from dun, or "a grayish brown color."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

donkey donkeys

Another long-term goal of UC Riverside researchers is to understand the ecological role and impact of the donkey herd, which can also help inform whether population control or other interventions are needed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

One thing that is unique about the Inland Empire’s wild donkey population is its proximity to urban areas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

He voiced depressive donkey Eeyore in TV animation The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh from the late 1980s as well as numerous related shows, films and games.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

“We’re exhausted. We’ve already been displaced seven times,” said Al-Louh, 45, his eyes following the donkey cart before glancing eastward toward the yellow blocks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

He leans against Jacob, who carries the Torah for him, while Isaac gently pulls Mother along on the donkey.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Spasojevic hopes to be able to gain a clearer answer by comparing DNA samples from local donkeys to DNA collected from populations elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

For students at UC Riverside, the start of fall semester means picking up their class syllabus, catching up with friends and snapping selfies with the adorable wild donkeys that roam around the school.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

In the 1770s, Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza led an expedition of settlers into what would later become California, bringing donkeys and horses with him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

In the heat, the donkeys are covered by a shade, with plenty of fresh water to keep them cool, and when at home they live in a "huge shed" or out at pasture.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

Their horses and donkeys were kicking and'rearing and screaming.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule