donkey

don-key · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family with long ears and a braying call, used as a beast of burden.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) A foolish or stupid person.

Forms

plural: donkeys

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    donkey's years — A very long time
  • •
    donkey work — Hard, tedious labor
  • •
    talk the hind leg off a donkey — To talk excessively

Related words

See also: ass, horse, mule
Synonyms: ass, burro, mule

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly from dun (grayish-brown color) + -key (diminutive suffix), or a pet form of the name Duncan. First recorded in the late 18th century, replacing the older term "ass."