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”

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

"I like going out and doing all the fun bits, like the Donkey Derby," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Jacob Elordi is starring in The Narrow Road to the Deep North on BBC One, romantic drama Mixtape is out, and new game Donkey Kong Bananza is released.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

Much like its kiddie counterpart, Chuck’s Arcade offers a blend of retro and modern amusements — classics like Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat sit alongside newer fare like Halo and Connect Four Hoops.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2025

Elijah James’ “Upcycled Comedy” has booked stand-up in Indio with monthlies at Urban Donkey vintage store since 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025

I rearrange a few pill bottles, making sure one more time that everything is in the same chronological order as what I programmed into the app after cross-referencing his Donkey Kong-covered regimen.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule