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

Some relief workers are using donkeys and bulldozers to remove solid waste, according to Louise Wateridge, a communications officer for the UN’s children’s agency in the Middle East and North Africa. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

And that says nothing of its snort-like laughs, which reminded me too much of the huffs and puffs of the ride’s donkeys. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Brown and Bongiovi are raising their daughter on their farm in rural Georgia, where the actress also cares for several animals, including sheep, goats, cows and donkeys, as well as her tuxedo cat and her therapy dog Winnie. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

The movie is an origin stories on how a donkey, became Donkey. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 June 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