donkey
Americannoun
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donkeys
plural
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the domestic ass, Equus asinus.
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(since 1874) a representation of this animal as the emblem of the U.S. Democratic Party.
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a stupid, silly, or obstinate person.
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a woodworking apparatus consisting of a clamping frame and saw, used for cutting marquetry veneers.
adjective
noun
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Also called: ass. a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family ( Equidae ), descended from the African wild ass ( Equus asinus )
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a stupid or stubborn person
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slang a footballer known for his or her lack of skill
the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys
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to talk endlessly
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Besides Optimus Prime, one of Cullen’s favorite roles was Eeyore, the endearing but pessimistic donkey from “Winnie the Pooh.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
A famous YouTube couple have been allowed to build a donkey sanctuary behind their West Sussex home.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
Her devotion to animals led to her setting up a section of of her website, the Widdyweb, for the pet cats she has lived with, adopting goats and becoming the patron of a donkey sanctuary.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
In Surrey, Leatherhead Lions Club said its annual bank holiday donkey derby would no longer include the donkeys or a dog show "for the welfare and comfort of the animals".
From BBC ● May 25, 2026
Obviously the best thing to be in that story is the donkey.
From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri
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
She said it would be "really sad if beach donkeys disappear".
From BBC ● May 16, 2026
Unlike Stephen, she did have prior experience, although it was horses rather than donkeys.
From BBC ● May 16, 2026
The old mining town of Oatman, known for its feral donkeys, is on the way.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026
In the Guildhall’s holds he stashed twenty donkeys, seven camels, and an assortment of monkeys and deadly snakes.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
