gorilla

noun

go·​ril·​la gə-ˈri-lə How to pronounce gorilla (audio)
1
: a very large typically black-colored anthropoid ape (Gorilla gorilla) of equatorial Africa that has a stocky body with broad shoulders and long arms and is less erect and has smaller ears than the chimpanzee
2
a
: an ugly or brutal man
b
: thug, goon

Examples of gorilla in a Sentence

She hired some gorilla as her bodyguard. the loan shark sent a couple of gorillas to “convince” him to pay up
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But, while adults are gorilla trekking, the lodge will provide childcare services (on a complimentary basis). Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 There are others too: gorilla, aardvark, Himalayan blue sheep, the Giant Japanese Salamander and the Asian small-clawed otter, to name a few. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024 Joshua Emerson, an actor who plays the gorilla at Casa Bonita, said there have been numerous incidents involving guests who interact inappropriately with entertainers. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2024 There was this kid with tribal markings on his face, a guy in a gorilla suit, and Helena. Will Leitch, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gorilla 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek Gorillai, plural, a tribe of hairy women mentioned in an account of a voyage around Africa

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gorilla was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near gorilla

Cite this Entry

“Gorilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gorilla. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gorilla

noun
go·​ril·​la gə-ˈril-ə How to pronounce gorilla (audio)
: a typically black ape of equatorial Africa that is much larger but stands less erect than the related chimpanzee
Etymology

derived from Greek Gorillai, a name used by ancient explorers for what they thought was a tribe of hairy women in Africa

More from Merriam-Webster on gorilla

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