plural donkeys
Synonyms of donkeynext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The movie is an origin stories on how a donkey, became Donkey. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 June 2026 Early’s character was particularly upset by being assigned Toby the donkey to sit on. Mark Seliger, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Both Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll have run a massive Tennessee homestead and animal sanctuary, which has included Scottish Highland cows, full-sized and miniature horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens. Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026 So on market days, local Colored laborers would follow in the tradition of the formerly enslaved, riding donkeys, horses, or rowing boats to other parishes where food was in greater supply and available for sale. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for donkey

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Donkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donkey. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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

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