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donkey
[ dong-kee, dawng-, duhng- ]
/ ˈdɒŋ ki, ˈdɔŋ-, ˈdʌŋ- /
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noun, plural don·keys.
the domestic ass, Equus asinus.
(since 1874) a representation of this animal as the emblem of the U.S. Democratic Party.
a stupid, silly, or obstinate person.
a woodworking apparatus consisting of a clamping frame and saw, used for cutting marquetry veneers.
adjective
Machinery. auxiliary: donkey engine; donkey pump; donkey boiler.
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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”
Words nearby donkey
Dönitz, Donizetti, donjon, Don Juan, Don Juanism, donkey, donkey derby, donkey engine, donkey jacket, donkey-lick, donkey's years
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use donkey in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for donkey
donkey
/ (ˈdɒŋkɪ) /
noun
Also called: ass a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family (Equidae), descended from the African wild ass (Equus asinus)
a stupid or stubborn person
British slang, derogatory a footballer known for his or her lack of skillthe players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys
talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey to talk endlessly
Word Origin for donkey
C18: perhaps from dun dark + -key, as in monkey
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for donkey
donkey
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.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.