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.

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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

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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.)

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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

There’s a bug-eyed rabbit, a blue donkey and several variations of what appear to be skulls.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

Louise Peeters was the beneficiary of those visitors for the 15 years she ran a beach donkey service.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

Ceredigion council said it had only issued one licence to operate donkey or pony rides in the county - from Aberystwyth promenade - while Denbighshire has none.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

During the hottest hours, many retreat to makeshift huts -- frames of sticks draped with coarse homespun cloth, plastered with wild donkey dung.

From Barron's ● May 10, 2026

It was while we were looking for a safe place to settle down that we saw it: A lame donkey harnessed to a dilapidated old wagon was making its way down the road toward us.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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

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

The old mining town of Oatman, known for its feral donkeys, is on the way.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

At home some people still ride horses and donkeys.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule