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: any of a family (Hylobatidae) of agile brachiating tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are the smallest and most arboreal anthropoid apes
Examples of gibbon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Recent research has indicated that tool use may have very deep roots among hominoids—the group of primates that includes gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, bonobos and humans.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
This includes providing care for lions, tigers, gibbons, macaws, chimpanzees, parrots, goats, sheep, rabbits and reptiles, among other creatures.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Massive datasets are now coming online, as recorders can be left in the field, listening to the calls of gibbons in the jungle or birds in the forest, 24/7, across long periods of time.
—Arik Kershenbaum, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024
Orangutans, gibbons and monkeys were said to cruise through the trees on the property, and the roof to our small room was also home to short-nosed fruit bats.
—Mihir Zaveri, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
French
First Known Use
1774, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gibbon
Cite this Entry
“Gibbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gibbon. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
gibbon
noun
gib·bon
ˈgib-ən
: any of several tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are smaller and spend more time in trees than the gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan
Biographical Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on gibbon
Nglish: Translation of gibbon for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gibbon
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