donkey

American  

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

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.

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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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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”

Example Sentences

In Nukuru, the villagers' main means of transport appeared to be donkeys.

From BBC

The donkeys in the front paddock of the psychiatrist's countryside home bely that glitzy, glamourous list.

From BBC

I read that description in a book once—I think it’s the sound a donkey makes when it’s all excited.

From Literature

Cue another round of snobby harrumphing about the inclusion of non-Power 4 schools like James Madison and Tulane, as if those schools play on crabgrass fields with dirt patches and donkeys.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ballots are still arriving from remote areas -- some only accessible by donkey or river boats -- and the declaration of a winner may still be days away.

From Barron's

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule