donkey

noun

don·​key ˈdäŋ-kē  ˈdəŋ-  ˈdȯŋ- 

plural donkeys

1

: the domestic ass (Equus asinus)

2

: a stupid or obstinate person

Synonyms of donkey

• mule
• burro
• ass
• jackass

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

On this day, Carter rode his donkey the 20 minutes to the worksite as usual. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Nov. 2026

Sick donkeys go to the hospital barn that has 14 stalls with IV hangers, electric outlets and air conditioning, which helps fight lung disease in the harsh Texas climate. — Brayden Garcia october 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026

There are goats, pigs, and donkeys, as well as Ringo, an 80-pound African spurred tortoise who came to Georgia from a rescue in New York. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

On one early October afternoon, tourists outnumbered donkeys at least 10 to 1. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing donkey

• donkey engine
• donkey jacket
• donkey's years
• talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey

Rhymes for donkey

• swanky

Kids Definition

donkey

noun

don·​key ˈdäŋ-kē  ˈdəŋ-  ˈdȯŋ- 

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