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
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.
Bougainvillea draped over walls and doorways, vehicles and donkey carts filled traffic, busy restaurants lined the river banks. Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 16 May 2025 Its mechanized forces, central to its strategies for victory, are bleeding out and now include museum-grade military trucks, civilian cars, vans, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles ... and even donkeys. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 The gangs prepared for the attack by hiding weapons and ammunition in drums normally used to carry water and fuel and placing them on the backs of donkeys that walked through nearby hills undetected, the report said. DÁnica Coto The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025 On their farm, the couple owns several dogs, a sheep, a goat, horses, and multiple donkeys alongside Betsy. Moná Thomas, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 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 24 May. 2025.

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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