noun
Uncommon
Donovan
DO-nuh-vihn
Donovan (noun) means British slang for a potato. Example: “Chuck a few more donovans in the pot for the stew.”
noun
1
British slang for a potato.
"Chuck a few more donovans in the pot for the stew."
How to use Donovan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal British word for a potato, used more for fun than in everyday speech.
When to use it
Rare, playful slang rather than common usage.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Donovans
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Chuck a few more _____ in the pot for the stew.
Etymology
Rhyming or nickname-style slang, borrowing the Irish surname Donovan (from Ó Donndubháin) as a jokey stand-in for "potato."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Donovan
See all rhymes for Donovan →Frequently asked questions
What does “Donovan” mean?
The word “Donovan” means british slang for a potato. In plain terms, an informal British word for a potato, used more for fun than in everyday speech.
How do you pronounce “Donovan”?
“Donovan” is pronounced DO-nuh-vihn (/ˈdɒnəvɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Donovan” in a sentence?
Here is “Donovan” used in a sentence: “Chuck a few more donovans in the pot for the stew.”
What part of speech is “Donovan”?
“Donovan” is a noun.
Where does the word “Donovan” come from?
The word “Donovan” comes from Irish. Rhyming or nickname-style slang, borrowing the Irish surname Donovan (from Ó Donndubháin) as a jokey stand-in for "potato.".
Is “Donovan” a common word?
“Donovan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is "Donovan" commonly used to mean "potato" outside Britain?
No. This use of "Donovan" as slang for a potato is specifically British and not widely recognized or used elsewhere; in most English-speaking contexts "Donovan" is understood only as a personal name.
Is calling a potato a "Donovan" formal or informal?
It is informal slang, appropriate for casual conversation but not for formal or written English, where "potato" would be used instead.
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