plural donkeys
1
: the domestic ass (Equus asinus)
2
: a stupid or obstinate person

Examples of donkey in a Sentence

we put our bags on the donkey and headed down the canyon called him a donkey when he refused to go along with their plans
Recent Examples on the Web Livestock, including cows and donkeys, have also perished as dams run low and farmers struggle to secure water. Reuters, CNN, 10 June 2024 Among them are a family of four residing in a one-bedroom apartment in Kawasaki City and a family of five tending to ducks, chickens, a dog and donkeys on a 20-acre wilderness retreat outside of Portland. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024 Kristi Noem talks RINOs and donkeys (but no dogs) at California Republican convention, via Nicole Nixon. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 21 May 2024 On another show, to collect on the bet, Smith brought out a donkey for Barkley to kiss. Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for donkey 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'donkey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of donkey was circa 1785

Dictionary Entries Near donkey

Cite this Entry

“Donkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donkey. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

donkey

noun
plural donkeys
1
: a sturdy domestic mammal that is classified with the asses and is used especially to carry things
2
: a stupid or stubborn person

More from Merriam-Webster on donkey

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