chimp

American  

[chimp] / tʃɪmp /

noun

Informal.

• chimps
  plural

1. chimpanzee.

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chimp British  

/ tʃɪmp /

noun

1. informal short for chimpanzee

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• chimps
  plural

Etymology

Origin of chimp

First recorded in 1875–80; by shortening

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chimp chimps

The chimp war study went viral for a variety of reasons, not least of them the lurid spectacle of a species other than our own committing despicable acts.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2026

Now, he experimented with animal concepts of aesthetics, giving a paintbrush to a chimp called Congo.

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

The two groups had no remaining social or reproductive ties between them; the last chimp infant with parents from different groups was born in 2015.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026

On a recent morning, Mike, a charismatic, middle-aged chimp, ambled along the savannah floor, baobab fruit dangling by a stem from his mouth -- a snack for later -- as Sadiakhou watched.

From Barron's ● Jan. 15, 2026

One chimp may feel sorry for or love another.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall

That said, while he is proud the Big Cat Public Safety Act passed in the aftermath of “Tiger King” and believes people should be banned from raising chimps at home, he views reptiles differently.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

Humans, chimps and bonobos share a common ancestor going back 7 million years or so.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2026

"These were chimps that would hold hands," lead author Aaron Sandel said.

From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026

The group grew large, and even though resources were abundant, the chimps may have perceived increased competition for food and mates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026

There are some wild chimps there, but not many.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall