donkey

[dong-kee, dawng-, duhng-]

noun

plural

donkeys 

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

/ 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

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey¹

C18: perhaps from dun dark + -key, as in monkey

Example Sentences

Electricity is provided from solar panels, while the toilet is compostable and located in a shack outside, where a donkey, horse, dogs, cats, chickens and ducks roam a clearing among the trees.

Read more on Barron's

A key hallmark of Murphy’s status is his voluminous gallery of offbeat characters — an impeccably attired prison convict, a clumsy professor, a wisecracking donkey, an elderly Jewish man and even an obese, abusive wife.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some had brought their meagre resources: a donkey, a few goats, a horse.

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Wrapped in bright colours and wearing plastic sandals, women in the country's Jebel Marra mountains set off each morning on donkeys, children in tow, to tend the fields.

Read more on BBC

Her nearby business, Adams’ Pack Station, which does donkey supply runs to historic cabins, was financially hit during the 2020 Bobcat fire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burro 
• horse 
• mule