What does donkey mean?

Definitions for donkey
ˈdɒŋ ki, ˈdɔŋ-, ˈdʌŋ-don·key

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word donkey.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. donkeynoun

    the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874

  2. domestic ass, donkey, Equus asinusnoun

    domestic beast of burden descended from the African wild ass; patient but stubborn

Wiktionary

  1. donkeynoun

    A domestic animal, Equus asinus, similar to a horse.

  2. donkeynoun

    A stubborn person.

  3. donkeynoun

    A fool.

  4. donkeynoun

    A small auxiliary engine, also called donkey engine.

  5. donkeynoun

    A bad poker player.

Wikipedia

  1. Donkey

    The donkey or ass (Equus africanus asinus) is a domesticated member of the horse family, Equidae. The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African wild ass, E. africanus. The donkey has been used as a working animal for at least 5000 years. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world, mostly in underdeveloped countries, where they are used principally as draught or pack animals. Working donkeys are often associated with those living at or below subsistence levels. Small numbers of donkeys are kept for breeding or as pets in developed countries. A male donkey or ass is called a jack, a female a jenny or jennet; a young donkey is a foal. Jack donkeys are often used to mate with female horses to produce mules; the biological "reciprocal" of a mule, from a stallion and jenny as its parents instead, is called a hinny. Asses were first domesticated around 3000 BC, probably in Egypt or Mesopotamia, and have spread around the world. They continue to fill important roles in many places today. While domesticated species are increasing in numbers, the African wild ass is an endangered species. As beasts of burden and companions, asses and donkeys have worked together with humans for millennia.

ChatGPT

  1. Donkey

    A donkey is a domesticated mammal that is widely known for its long ears, small stature, and ability to carry heavy loads. It is closely related to horses and zebras, typically characterized by a gray or brown coat. Donkeys are commonly used as working animals in many cultures for transportation, agriculture, and carrying goods. They are known for their resilience, strength, and steady temperament. In some regions, donkeys are also kept as pets or used for recreational purposes such as riding or show competitions.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Donkeynoun

    an ass; or (less frequently) a mule

  2. Donkeynoun

    a stupid or obstinate fellow; an ass

  3. Etymology: [Prob. dun, in allusion to the color of the animal + a dim. termination.]

Wikidata

  1. Donkey

    The donkey or ass, Equus africanus asinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family. The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African wild ass, E. africanus. The donkey has been used as a working animal for at least 5000 years. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world, mostly in underdeveloped countries, where they are used principally as draught or pack animals. Working donkeys are often associated with those living at or below subsistence levels. Small numbers of donkeys are kept for breeding or as pets in developed countries. A male donkey or ass is called a jack, a female a jenny or jennet; a young donkey is a foal. Jack donkeys are often used to produce mules. Asses were first domesticated around 3000 BC, or 4000 BC, probably in Egypt or Mesopotamia, and have spread around the world. They continue to fill important roles in many places today. While domesticated species are increasing in numbers, the African wild ass and another relative, the Onager, are endangered. As beasts of burden and companions, asses and donkeys have worked together with humans for millennia.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Donkey

    dong′ki, n. the ass.—ns. Don′key-en′gine, a small engine used in steam-vessels for loading and unloading, pumping water into the boilers, &c.; Don′key-pump, an extra steam-pump. [Still regarded as slang in 1823. Perh. = dun-ik-ie, a double dim. of dun, from its colour; or from Duncan, cf. Dicky.]

Editors Contribution

  1. donkey

    A type of animal created in various colors.

    Donkeys are beautiful animals and are intelligent and happy.


    Submitted by MaryC on February 4, 2020  

Etymology and Origins

  1. Donkey

    An ass, from its dun colour.

Matched Categories

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How to say donkey in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of donkey in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of donkey in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of donkey in a Sentence

  1. Jesse Duplantis:

    All it's gon na do is it's going to touch people, it's going to reach people, it's going to change lives one soul at a time, i really believe that if Jesus was physically on the earth today, he wouldn't be riding a donkey.

  2. Terry Jones:

    I never thought it would be as controversial as it turned out, although I remember saying when we were writing it that some religious nut case may take potshots at us, at the time, religion seemed to be on the back burner and it felt like kicking a dead donkey. It has come back with a vengeance and we'd think twice about making it now.

  3. Evangelos Venizelos:

    I am calling on and begging the Greek people and wise political parties of the country: now that we have eaten the donkey and almost all its tail and we only have a small part - a difficult bit at the end - to offer their help so that we won't get into a new adventure.

  4. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:

    The zonkey combines the sturdy body of its donkey sire and the striped legs of its zebra mother, which makes for a striking creature, while it should otherwise lead a normal life, zonkeys are mules, meaning that it will be unable to successfully breed once it reaches maturity.

  5. Lon Beale:

    It’s like going back in time 300 years, they’re still riding around in donkey carts.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

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Translations for donkey

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"donkey." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/donkey>.

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