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Definition of chimpanzee

chimpanzee

/ˌtʃɪm.pænˈziː/
chim · pan · zee
Plural:chimpanzees
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chimpanzee Lexical Profile

chimpanzee Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A highly intelligent, social great ape native to the forests and savannas of tropical Africa, sharing a close evolutionary lineage with humans.

Example

"Researchers have extensively documented the ability of the chimpanzee to use sticks and stones as rudimentary tools for foraging."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for chimpanzee

Word Nuance & Usage

Although frequently referred to in casual conversation as monkeys, chimpanzees are biologically classified as great apes and are distinguished by their lack of tails.

• Rhymes for chimpanzee

• Nearby Words

chimney
chimney swift
chimonanthus
chimpanzee
china
chincherinchee
chinchilla

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the 18th century from a Bantu language, likely Tshiluba 'kivili-chimpenze', translating roughly to 'mock-man' or 'ape'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chimpanzee. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 18, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chimpanzee
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