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

After New York’s scalding August heat waves, the cool nights and quiet of the countryside were a welcome change—save for the lone donkey who decided that four in the morning was the right time to sound the alarm. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026

Hannah Israel, the donkey’s owner, may also sue the police department and the city, her attorney Chris McCormick said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Farm animals, like sheep, cows, and a beloved donkey, roam the grounds. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

The complaint describes HeeHaw as a young, small and calm donkey that posed no threat. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Sep. 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