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

A famous YouTube couple have been allowed to build a donkey sanctuary behind their West Sussex home.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

“We’re exhausted. We’ve already been displaced seven times,” said Al-Louh, 45, his eyes following the donkey cart before glancing eastward toward the yellow blocks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

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

The ticket buying process has been like a game of pin the tail on the donkey, one where you do not know how much it costs to play.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

Nhamo plodded from one chore to the next like a small donkey pulling a cart too heavy for it.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

With a background in equine welfare, she saw part of her role there as educating people about donkeys.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

According to one retired operator, the heyday of the donkeys was the 1960s and '70s, before cheap foreign holidays to Mediterranean coasts slashed the numbers of summer holidaymakers to UK resorts.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

She said it would be "really sad if beach donkeys disappear".

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

Over the last week, the San Diego Humane Society has removed 446 cats, 30 dogs and dozens of other animals, including goats, alpacas, pigs, ducks, donkeys, geese and chickens from the property in Julian.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2026

The night seemed oddly quiet to her, though she could hear Yoren's muttered snores, the crackle of the fire, even the muffled stirrings of the donkeys.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule