# asses

/ˈæsəz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/asses
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. animals

noun · CEFR B1

more than one donkey.

For teachers: plural of the mammal Equus africanus asinus; used primarily in zoological or biblical contexts.

- The farmer used two asses to carry the heavy bags of grain up the hill.
- Historically, wild asses were prized for their endurance in arid climates where horses often struggled to survive.

### 2. body parts

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · American English · Vulgar

a person's bottom or backside.

For teachers: plural of the anatomical term for the buttocks.

- They sat on their asses all day watching television instead of working.
- The coach told the players to get off their asses and start the warm-up drills immediately.

### 3. stupid people

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

people who act in a very stupid or annoying way.

For teachers: plural of the pejorative term for a foolish, stubborn, or contemptible person.

- Don't listen to them; they are just being asses because they are jealous.
- The manager's arrogant behavior made him look like one of those pompous asses who refuses to admit a mistake.

## Examples

- The farmer kept several asses in the field.
- Wild asses are known for their ability to survive in harsh, dry environments where other animals might struggle.
- The satirical play portrays the politicians as braying asses, more concerned with their own loud voices than with the actual governance of the city.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.