English Reference
noun · adjective

ass

n. · adj.
US /ˈæs/ ass UK spelling ass's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a donkey or a similar animal with long ears.

    n.any of several species of horse-like mammals, specifically Equus asinus, often used as a beast of burden.

    Simple

    The farmer used an ass to carry the heavy bags of grain up the hill.

    In context

    Historically, the domesticated ass served as a vital pack animal across arid regions where horses struggled to survive.

    donkeyburro
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a person who is acting very stupidly or rudely.

    n.a foolish, stupid, or inconsiderate person; often used as a mild to moderate insult.

    Simple

    Stop being such an ass and apologize for what you said.

    In context

    He made a complete ass of himself by arguing about a subject he clearly knew nothing about.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American EnglishSlangVulgar

    n.the part of the body that you sit on.

    n.the buttocks or the anus; used as a vulgar anatomical reference.

    Simple

    He fell right on his ass after slipping on the icy sidewalk.

    In context

    The comedian's routine was filled with vulgar jokes about his own ass and physical appearance.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced American EnglishSlangVulgar

    n.a way to refer to yourself or someone else, usually when talking about a difficult situation.

    n.used metonymically to refer to the person or the self, often in reflexive constructions or to emphasize physical presence.

    Simple

    You need to get your ass over here right now.

    In context

    If they don't get their asses in gear, the project will never be finished by the deadline.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency American EnglishSlangVulgar

    adj.something that is very bad or of poor quality.

    adj.of extremely low quality or unpleasant; functions as a predicative adjective in this sense.

    Simple

    That movie was totally ass; I want my money back.

    In context

    The service at that restaurant was complete ass, so we decided never to return.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated