donkey

[ dong-kee, dawng-, duhng- ]
/ ˈdɒŋ ki, ˈdɔŋ-, ˈdʌŋ- /

noun, plural don·keys.

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

adjective

Machinery. auxiliary: donkey engine; donkey pump; donkey boiler.

Origin of donkey

1775–85; perhaps alteration of Dunkey, hypocoristic form of Duncan, man's name

Example sentences from the Web for donkey

British Dictionary definitions for donkey

donkey
/ (ˈdɒŋkɪ) /

noun

Also called: ass a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family (Equidae), descended from the African wild ass (Equus asinus)
a stupid or stubborn person
British slang, derogatory a footballer known for his or her lack of skill the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys
talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey to talk endlessly

Word Origin for donkey

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

Cultural definitions for donkey

donkey

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.)