# donkey

/ˈdɑŋki/ (US) · /dˈɒŋki/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR A2

a grey or brown animal with long ears that is related to the horse.

For teachers: a domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family, typically smaller than a horse and possessing long ears and a tufted tail.

- The farmer used a donkey to carry heavy bags of grain up the hill.
- In many rural regions, the donkey remains an essential pack animal due to its remarkable endurance and ability to navigate rocky terrain.

### 2. a stubborn person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

someone who is very stubborn and refuses to change their mind.

For teachers: a person characterized by obstinate or headstrong behavior.

- Stop being such a donkey and just listen to my advice.
- His reputation as a donkey was well-earned, as he refused to compromise even when presented with overwhelming evidence against his position.

Teaching tip: Often used as a mild insult to describe someone who is being difficult on purpose.

### 3. a bad poker player

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a player who makes bad decisions or plays poorly in a game of poker.

For teachers: a derogatory term for an unskilled or weak poker player who plays too many hands or makes irrational bets.

- The professional player won easily because he was playing against a donkey.
- The veteran gambler sat patiently at the table, waiting for the donkey to make a predictable mistake and lose his entire stack of chips.

Teaching tip: Commonly used in online gambling communities; can be shortened to 'donk'.

### 4. an auxiliary engine

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small extra engine used on a ship or for heavy work.

For teachers: a small auxiliary engine used for secondary purposes such as pumping water or powering winches on a vessel.

- The crew started the donkey to help lift the heavy cargo onto the deck.
- Before the main boilers were fully pressurized, the engineers relied on the donkey engine to provide power for the ship's essential auxiliary systems.

Usage: Often appears in the compound 'donkey engine'.

Teaching tip: This is a specialized term mostly found in historical maritime or industrial contexts.

## Examples

- The farmer used a donkey to carry the heavy bags of grain.
- During the trek through the mountains, a donkey carried the heavy camping gear for the group.
- While horses were often reserved for the wealthy, the donkey served as a vital beast of burden for rural communities throughout history due to its endurance and sure-footedness.

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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.