noun
ass
as
noun
1
A donkey, or a related wild species of horse-like animal.
"The farmer led the ass along the dusty road."
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.
Word Forms
asses plural, asses plural
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Etymology
From Old English assa, ultimately from Latin asinus. The insulting sense comes from the donkey's old reputation for stubbornness and slow-wittedness.