donkey
Americannoun
plural
donkeys-
the domestic ass, Equus asinus.
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(since 1874) a representation of this animal as the emblem of the U.S. Democratic Party.
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a stupid, silly, or obstinate person.
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a woodworking apparatus consisting of a clamping frame and saw, used for cutting marquetry veneers.
adjective
noun
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Also called: ass. a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family ( Equidae ), descended from the African wild ass ( Equus asinus )
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a stupid or stubborn person
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slang a footballer known for his or her lack of skill
the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys
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to talk endlessly
Etymology
Origin of donkey
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”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In contrast, more distant relatives such as donkeys and zebras appear to lack the high frequency component.
From Science Daily
“Indian Tom had about sixty head he wanted to sell; all kinds—horses, mules, ponies, and even a few donkeys.”
From Literature
Our donkey, Nothing, wasn’t tied up or penned in because he wouldn’t move unless his tail was on fire.
From Literature
Nonnative livestock — not just horses and cows but also donkeys, pigs and sheep — thrived in the vast grasslands, plains and deserts of the New World.
From Los Angeles Times
A trio of donkeys traverses a desert to an observatory.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
