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Definition of orangutan

orangutan

/ɔːˈræŋ.əˌtæn/
o · rang · u · tan
Plural:orangutans
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orangutan Lexical Profile

orangutan Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, critically endangered great ape native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia, characterized by its reddish-brown hair, long arms, and highly intelligent, largely arboreal lifestyle.

Example

"The researchers set up cameras in the Bornean canopy to study the feeding habits of the elusive orangutan."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for orangutan

• Nearby Words

orangequat
orangey
orangish
orangutan
orate
oration
orator

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Malay and Indonesian words 'orang' (person) and 'hutan' (forest), literally translating to 'person of the forest'. The term entered European languages, including English, in the late 17th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orangutan. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orangutan
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