Plural of Donkey: The Simple Guide to Saying Donkeys

Ever wondered whether you should add "s" or change the word when you talk about more than one donkey? The answer is easy – the plural is donkeys. No extra letters, no weird spelling tricks. Just add an "s" like you would with cat or dog. In this quick guide, we’ll clear up the rule, show you how to use it in sentences, and throw in a few fun facts about donkeys.

Why "donkeys" Works

English has a pretty straightforward rule for most nouns that end with a consonant sound: just slap an "s" on the end. "Donkey" follows that rule because it ends with a "y" that sounds like "ee" not the "y" in "city". So you get "donkey" → "donkeys". No need to change the "y" to "ies" like you do with "lady" → "ladies".

Using "donkeys" in Everyday Talk

Here are a few practical ways to drop "donkeys" into conversation:

  • "I saw three donkeys at the farm today."
  • "Donkeys are known for being stubborn, but also super loyal."
  • "If you need a pack animal, a pair of donkeys can handle the load."

Notice how the word fits naturally wherever you need a plural noun. It’s the same thing you’d do with "horses" or "cows" – just keep it simple.

Got a tricky sentence? Try this tweak: "The children fed the donkeys carrots and hay." The subject "children" is plural, so the verb "fed" matches, and "donkeys" stays plural without any extra changes.

Sometimes people overthink animal plurals and try to get fancy. You might hear someone say "donkeyes" or "donkyes" – those are just wrong and can sound odd. Stick with the clean "donkeys" and you’ll sound natural.

Besides the grammar, it’s fun to know a bit about donkeys too. They’re not just cartoon characters; real donkeys are sturdy, can live up to 30 years, and have a reputation for being reliable work animals. Knowing that adds a little extra polish when you talk about them.

So next time you’re describing a herd, a barn, or a cute farm photo, remember the rule: one donkey, many donkeys. It’s quick, it’s correct, and it keeps your English smooth. No hidden tricks, just a plain "s" at the end.

Now you’ve got the basics down. Feel free to practice by writing a short paragraph about a donkey scene you’ve seen. The more you use "donkeys", the more natural it will feel. Happy chatting!