noun
Very common
ass
as
Ass (noun) means a donkey, or a related wild species of horse-like animal. Example: “The farmer led the ass along the dusty road.”
noun
1
A donkey, or a related wild species of horse-like animal.
"The farmer led the ass along the dusty road."
"A wild ass stood calmly beside the dry riverbed."
"The children fed carrots to the old ass at the farm."
2
(informal) A foolish or annoying person.
"Don't be an ass about it — just apologize."
3
(vulgar, informal) The buttocks.
"He slipped on the ice and landed right on his ass."
4
(informal, reflexive) One's self or one's own well-being, especially in phrases about effort, trouble, or safety.
"He worked his ass off to finish the project on time."
"She's covering her ass in case the deal falls through."
How to use ass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally a donkey; informally, either an insult for a foolish person or a crude word for the buttocks/one's own effort or wellbeing.
When to use it
The informal senses are vulgar in most contexts and best avoided in professional or polite writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- asses
Etymology
From Old English assa, ultimately from Latin asinus. The insulting sense comes from the donkey's old reputation for stubbornness and slow-wittedness.
Related words
Rhymes for ass
See all rhymes for ass →Frequently asked questions
What does “ass” mean?
The word “ass” means a donkey, or a related wild species of horse-like animal.
How do you pronounce “ass”?
“Ass” is pronounced as (/æs/ in IPA).
How do you use “ass” in a sentence?
Here is “ass” used in a sentence: “The farmer led the ass along the dusty road.”
What part of speech is “ass”?
“Ass” is a noun.
Where does the word “ass” come from?
The word “ass” comes from Latin. From Old English assa, ultimately from Latin asinus. The insulting sense comes from the donkey's old reputation for stubbornness and slow-wittedness.
Is “ass” a common word?
“Ass” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ass” have?
“Ass” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a donkey, or a related wild species of horse-like animal.
What is the difference between an ass and a donkey?
There's essentially no difference — a donkey is the domesticated form of the ass. 'Ass' is the older, more formal name for the animal, while 'donkey' is the everyday word that has largely replaced it in modern English. Wild relatives, such as the African wild ass, keep the older name.
What is the difference between an ass and a mule?
An ass, or donkey, is a distinct species in its own right. A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, combining traits of both parents and usually unable to breed. So an ass is a true species, while a mule is a hybrid animal.
What are the types of ass?
Besides the domestic donkey, wild species include the African wild ass — the donkey's ancestor — and the Asiatic wild asses, such as the onager and the kiang. These sturdy, sure-footed animals are built for dry, rugged country across parts of Africa and Asia.
Why is an ass associated with stubbornness?
Donkeys tend to stop and assess danger before moving, which people have long mistaken for stubbornness. In reality it reflects a strong instinct for self-preservation and caution rather than defiance. This reputation lies behind common sayings that compare a stubborn person to a mule or a donkey.
