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

"Football with VAR is like horse racing with donkeys," read one banner, following a penalty they had conceded against Mainz which VAR did not cancel.

From BBC

Women ride past on donkey carts, piled high with vegetables, jolting over potholes deep enough to trap a wheel.

From Barron's

Jonah thought maybe Chip was trying to sound like the donkey from Shrek—carefree, glib, and full of wisecracks even in the face of danger.

From Literature

Students treat institutional rituals as a farce and openly mock their principal - calling him Yamdoot after the Hindu god of death - a blustering figure who addresses them as "My dear donkey".

From BBC

Cheers would erupt when a young donkey reached the conclusion that “I kinda think the system is rigged against everyone.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule