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View synonyms for

donkey

[dong-kee, dawng-, duhng-]

noun

plural

donkeys 
  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

/ ˈɒŋɪ /

noun

  1. Also called: ass.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. slanga footballer known for his or her lack of skill

    the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys

  4. to talk endlessly

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.)

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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”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of donkey1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

"Rescue crews could not access the area, which is under Israeli control. This forced residents to use donkey carts to transport victims to the field hospital."

From

The crew have been seen filming donkey rides on the beach and around the pier.

From

"I swear I don't know where we're going," said Sana Marouf, who was fleeing with her family on a donkey cart in Gaza City.

From

A donkey foal at a popular farm park has ended up with two mums after a "one in a million" birth.

From

A hot meal is hard to come by in the Gaza Strip, but a lunch for needy families in the south is about to be delivered by donkey and cart.

From

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