gibbon

[ gib-uhn ]

/ ˈgɪb ən /

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noun

any of the small arboreal apes of the East Indies and southern Asia that belong to the four genera of the family Hylobatidae (the lesser apes), displaying strong territorial behavior with vigorous vocalization and having wrists much like ball-and-socket joints: all species are reduced in number, and most are endangered.

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Origin of gibbon

First recorded in 1760–70; from French, used by Georges Buffon; further origin uncertain

Words nearby gibbon

gibberellin, gibberish, gibbet, gibble-gabble, Gib board, gibbon, Gibbon, Edward, Gibbons, gibbosity, gibbous, Gibbs

Other definitions for gibbon (2 of 2)

Gibbon

[ gib-uhn ]

/ ˈgɪb ən /

noun

Edward, 1737–94, English historian.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gibbon in a sentence

Some traits of the fossil species were precursors of slightly different traits in modern gibbons, the researchers suggest.
Fossil finds put gibbons in Asia as early as 8 million years ago|Bruce Bower|September 20, 2022|Science News
Eventually, the scientists observed the gibbons crossing the bridge about as frequently as the animals had traveled that stretch of forest before the landslide.
A rope bridge restored a highway through the trees for endangered gibbons|Carolyn Wilke|October 19, 2020|Science News
Occasionally, gibbons scampered across without holding on with their upper limbs.
A rope bridge restored a highway through the trees for endangered gibbons|Carolyn Wilke|October 19, 2020|Science News
Though slow to adopt it, the gibbons increasingly traveled a bridge made of two ropes that was installed across the 15-meter gap, researchers report October 15 in Scientific Reports.
A rope bridge restored a highway through the trees for endangered gibbons|Carolyn Wilke|October 19, 2020|Science News

The tooth is the oldest known fossil from a gibbon ancestor, says Gilbert, of Hunter College at the City University of New York.
A stray molar is the oldest known fossil from an ancient gibbon|Bruce Bower|September 8, 2020|Science News
They have been predicting “the fall of America” for years, in the way that Gibbon described the fall of Rome.
Only the French Would Be Smug About the Recession|Janine di Giovanni|December 11, 2008|DAILY BEAST
Another famous man was born at Putney: Edward Gibbon, the historian.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries|Charles G. Harper
Gibbon was, in fine, exceedingly human, and his person was almost grotesque.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries|Charles G. Harper
Of the apes, though many can stand upright, the gibbon is the only one that attempts to walk in this position.
Man And His Ancestor|Charles Morris
Their motion is like that of the gibbon when in haste, a series of jumps or swings between the supporting arms.
Man And His Ancestor|Charles Morris
Their attitude is in all cases an approach toward the erect one, which posture is attained by the gibbon.
Man And His Ancestor|Charles Morris

British Dictionary definitions for gibbon (1 of 2)

gibbon

/ (ˈɡɪbən) /

noun

any small agile arboreal anthropoid ape of the genus Hylobates, inhabiting forests in S Asia

Word Origin for gibbon

C18: from French, probably from an Indian dialect word

British Dictionary definitions for gibbon (2 of 2)

Gibbon

/ (ˈɡɪbən) /

noun

Edward. 1737–94, English historian; author of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776–88), controversial in its historical criticism of Christianity

Lewis Grassic (ˈɡræsɪk), real name James Leslie Mitchell . 1901–35, Scottish writer: best known for his trilogy of novels Scots Quair (1932–34)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

gibbon

Origin of gibbon

Words nearby gibbon

Other definitions for gibbon (2 of 2)

Words related to gibbon

How to use gibbon in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gibbon (1 of 2)

Word Origin for gibbon

British Dictionary definitions for gibbon (2 of 2)