simian

1 of 2

adjective

sim·​i·​an ˈsi-mē-ən How to pronounce simian (audio)
: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

simian

2 of 2

noun

: monkey, ape
also : any of a suborder (Anthropoidea) of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans

Did you know?

The Latin word for "ape" is simia, which itself comes from simus, "snub-nosed". Simian is usually a scientific word; thus, for instance, biologists study simian viruses in the search for cures to AIDS and other diseases. But simian can be used by the rest of us to describe human behavior. Human babies often cling to their mothers in a simian way, and kids playing on a jungle gym may look like simians. But if you notice that a friend has a simian style of walking or eating bananas, it might be best not to tell him.

Examples of simian in a Sentence

Adjective a study of simian viruses
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.
Adjective
Indeed, Gracey relied on the same Weta FX artists who worked on those simian epics, with Jonno Davies wearing Andy Serkis’ motion-capture suit (Williams voices the part himself). —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2024 The latest simian saga in the Planet of the Apes film franchise is set to ride onto Hulu next month. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 July 2024
Noun
Even the offices are lively these days, with a life-size Planet Apes simian, adorned with cool shades, greeting visitors and a handsome wood-and-glass case being built to house the division’s many historical Oscars. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 Where to watch: Prime Video 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Will humans and simians ever get along? —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simian 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin simia ape, from simus snub-nosed, from Greek simos

First Known Use

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simian was in 1607

Phrases Containing simian

Dictionary Entries Near simian

simial

simian

simian immunodeficiency virus

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Simian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simian. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

simian

1 of 2 adjective
sim·​i·​an ˈsim-ē-ən How to pronounce simian (audio)
: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes
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