donkey

[dong-kee, dawng-, duhng-]

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.

adjective

1. Machinery.,  auxiliary.

   donkey engine; donkey pump; donkey boiler.

donkey

/ 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

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey¹

C18: perhaps from dun dark + -key, as in monkey

Example Sentences

The sports donkey in the Journal thinks it will happen.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

On that drawing last year: the Ontario Sky Mules, with a whimsical logo of a grinning donkey wearing sunglasses and flying a prop plane.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For days, huge columns of Palestinians have streamed southwards from Gaza City in donkey carts, rickshaws, vehicles strapped high with belongings, and on foot.

Read more on BBC

A 2-year-old wild donkey stumbled alongside her herd in Riverside County — a bright blue arrow protruding from her right side.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Photographs showed a stream of people moving south along the coastal road from Gaza City on foot, on donkey carts and in vehicles on Tuesday, but there was no sign of a mass exodus.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• burro 
• horse 
• mule