gorilla

go-ril-la · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large, powerful ape native to the forests of central Africa, the largest living primate.

  2. 2.

    (informal) A large, strong, aggressive person, especially one employed as a bodyguard or enforcer.

  3. 3.

    (figurative) A dominant force or powerful entity in a particular field.

Forms

plural: gorillas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    800-pound gorilla — A powerful entity that dominates its environment
  • •
    gorilla tactics — (often confused with guerrilla) Aggressive, forceful methods
  • •
    gorilla marketing — (play on guerrilla marketing) Aggressive marketing tactics

Related words

See also: ape, chimpanzee, monkey, primate
Synonyms: great ape, primate

Etymology

From Greek Gorillai, the name given by the explorer Hanno to a tribe of hairy people he reportedly encountered in Africa around 500 BCE. The name was applied to the ape species when it was scientifically described in 1847.