donkey

[ dong-kee, dawng-, duhng- ]

noun

, plural don·keys.

1. the domestic ass, Equus asinus.
2. (since 1874) a representation of this animal as the emblem of the U.S. Democratic Party.
3. a stupid, silly, or obstinate person.
4. a woodworking apparatus consisting of a clamping frame and saw, used for cutting marquetry veneers.

adjective

1. Machinery. auxiliary:

   donkey engine; donkey pump; donkey boiler.

donkey

/ ˈdɒŋkɪ /

noun

1. Also calledass a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family ( Equidae ), descended from the African wild ass ( Equus asinus )
2. a stupid or stubborn person
3. slang.
   a footballer known for his or her lack of skill

   the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys

4. talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey
   to talk endlessly

donkey

1. A symbol (see also symbol ) of the Democratic party , introduced in a series of political cartoons by Thomas Nast during the congressional elections of 1874. ( Compare elephant .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey¹

First recorded in 1775–85; of uncertain origin; perhaps alteration of Dunkey, diminutive name or pet form of Duncan, man's name; perhaps a derivative of dun “dull, grayish brown”

Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey¹

C18: perhaps from dun dark + -key, as in monkey

Example Sentences

It was the same day his father recorded his hit “Donkey Serenade,” which appeared in the 1937 film musical “The Firefly,” co-starring the elder Jones, according to Jones’ website.

From Los Angeles Times

But the truly essential thing is that after eight years of media dedicated to this effort to pin the language on the donkey, it is finally and conclusively clear that Trump’s words do not matter.

From Slate

“If a donkey is too comfortable it goes on black ice.”

From BBC

The “Voting Era” collection merch spans from tote bags to stickers – one featuring a donkey wearing friendship bracelets – shirts and hats, many of which include the "I'm in my voting era" motto.

From Salon

“Booty, booty, booty,” my class instructor, DeNae D’Auria, calls out as we, on all fours, donkey kick with a bungee cord over one foot to increase resistance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule