ape

ape · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large tailless primate of the families Pongidae and Hylobatidae, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons.

  2. 2.

    (informal) A clumsy, coarse, or unintelligent person.

  3. 3.

    To imitate or copy, especially in a clumsy or thoughtless way.

Forms

plural: apes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    go ape — To become wildly excited or enthusiastic.
  • •
    ape-like — Resembling an ape.

Related words

See also: apes, gorilla, monkey, primate
Synonyms: primate, simian

Etymology

From Old English apa ("ape, monkey"), from Proto-Germanic apan. Related to Old High German affo (German Affe).