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.

---

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

---

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.)

---

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

Spasojevic, who teaches in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, is leading the university’s research into the local donkey population.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

Countess of Chester chief executive Tony Chambers referred to it as "the donkey sanctuary".

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

"You want a bowler who can swing it, another bowler who has proper pace, another who can reverse swing it and another who can do the donkey work," said BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

As Al-Louh spoke, a donkey cart with three elderly women and two elderly men as passengers came into view.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

He pretended to be in conversation, while the donkey, on weary feet, seemed completely oblivious.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

For students at UC Riverside, the start of fall semester means picking up their class syllabus, catching up with friends and snapping selfies with the adorable wild donkeys that roam around the school.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

On campus, students are educated on the importance of not touching or feeding the donkeys, which weigh about 500 pounds and can charge at humans when feeling threatened.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

In the 1770s, Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza led an expedition of settlers into what would later become California, bringing donkeys and horses with him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

Some were crammed into the back of ancient farm vehicles drawn by donkeys.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

He had often told folktales—of foolish donkeys or brave tigers—when Tree-ear was a youngster.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule