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Monkeys: meaning, definitions and examples

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monkeys

 

[ ˈmʌŋkiːz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal class

Monkeys are primates that typically have long limbs and prehensile tails, allowing them to swing through trees in tropical forests. They are known for their intelligence and social behavior, often living in groups and exhibiting complex interactions within their communities.

Synonyms

ape, primate, simian

Examples of usage

  • The monkeys in the zoo were entertaining to watch.
  • A troop of monkeys was seen playing in the treetops.
  • Some monkeys use tools to access food.
  • In the wild, monkeys often communicate with various sounds.

Etymology

The word 'monkey' is believed to have originated from the late Middle Ages, with its earliest uses potentially deriving from the Middle Dutch word 'monneke', which is a diminutive of 'mone', meaning 'monkey'. Another possibility is that it comes from the Latin 'monachus', which means 'monk', due to the perceived resemblance of some monkeys to monks, especially in the way they move and groom themselves. Over time, the term has evolved and been adopted into various languages with slight variations. 'Monkey' has become a general term that encompasses many species of non-human primates, although in strict taxonomic terms, it does not include apes or humans.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,117 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.