Phrase guide

donkey power

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A unit of power equal to 250 watts, or about one third of a horsepower.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous

Examples

  • The Yugo car was famous for how anemic its engine was, but its output sounded more impressive when reported in donkey power.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: motive power provided by one or more donkeys.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • In that era, most of the equipment in this mine was run by donkey power.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The humorous unit of power is modelled on horsepower, since a donkey is a less powerful draught animal than a horse.