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 The comprehensive property tour includes examining the 19th century olive press that was once powered by a donkey, as well as an old wine press. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Larson takes the snuggly, tail-wagging donkey for weekly visits at local senior living and memory care facilities. Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024 Some traveled on bicycles, or carts pulled by horses or donkeys, while others carried scant belongings on foot. Khader Al Za’anoun, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 These workers toiled for long hours at the site—which doubled as a prison—alongside donkeys to grind grain for bread. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2023 Or go for a game of golf on a completely natural desert course (but be prepared to give way to wild goats and donkeys). Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 Accompanied by the determined donkey Napoleon, Zoe grapples with the absurdities and challenges of their journey. Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Feb. 2024 By the 1880 presidential election, elephants and donkeys were frequently used as the parties’ symbols in other publications. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 Bedsheets and pajamas would be printed with lions and mopey donkeys. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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