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

The results confirmed that ancient Egyptians frequently used cow glue, as well as collagens derived from sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and antelope. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

The donkey has a gentle demeanor, allowing 7-year-old Cole to hug her clumsily around her face. — Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Thousands of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, mules, and donkeys, were unable to escape. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

The donkey, named HeeHaw, belonged to the owners of Elsberry Riding and Farm, a farm and ranch in Rockmart, Georgia, that offers daily trail rides and a petting zoo. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 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