donkey

noun

don·​key ˈdäŋ-kē How to pronounce donkey (audio) ˈdəŋ- How to pronounce donkey (audio) ˈdȯŋ- How to pronounce donkey (audio)
plural donkeys
Synonyms of donkeynext
1
: the domestic ass (Equus asinus)
2
: a stupid or obstinate person

Synonyms of donkey

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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.
Wanda, a donkey, and Max, a horse, split their time between a farm upstate and a stable in the Bronx. — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Hmad guides the donkeys along a dusty trail lined with almond and date trees, while Tehlou and Saâdia have the rougher task of off-roading with the herd. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 The donkey kick is a lower-body exercise that builds strength one leg at a time. — Christa Sgobba, HEALTH, 15 Oct. 2026 Body-camera video obtained by CBS News Atlanta shows HeeHaw the donkey galloping toward officers before a Cedartown police officer shoots him during a search for a missing girl. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 14 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing donkey

Rhymes for donkey

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Browse Nearby Words

donk
donkey
donkey's breakfast
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Cite this Entry

“Donkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donkey. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

donkey

noun
don·​key ˈdäŋ-kē How to pronounce donkey (audio) ˈdəŋ- How to pronounce donkey (audio) ˈdȯŋ- How to pronounce donkey (audio)
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about donkey

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