gorilla

[guh-ril-uh]

noun

1. a terrestrial, largely vegetarian great ape of the genus Gorilla , inhabiting central African forests: possessing great upper body strength, with arms longer and more muscular than its legs, it is noted for its knuckle-walking and is larger than any other living primate.

2. an ugly, brutish person.

3. Slang.,  a hoodlum or thug, especially one who threatens or inflicts violence.

   Like any mob boss, he sent his gorillas to do the dirty work.

4. Disparaging and Offensive.,  (used as a slur against a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, especially a Black person.)

gorilla

/ ɡəˈrɪlə, ɡəˈrɪlaɪn /

noun

1. the largest anthropoid ape, Gorilla gorilla, inhabiting the forests of central W Africa. It is stocky and massive, with a short muzzle and coarse dark hair

2. informal,  a large, strong, and brutal-looking man

Sensitive Note

See simianization.

Other Word Forms

• gorilla-like adjective
• gorillian adjective
• gorilloid adjective
• gorillalike adjective
• gorilline adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorilla¹

First recorded in 1845–50; from New Latin, from Greek Goríllās (accusative plural) name for the females of a hairy tribe encountered in an account of a voyage along the coast of Africa made by the Carthaginian Hanno in the 5th century b.c.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorilla¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek Gorillai, an African tribe renowned for their hirsute appearance

Example Sentences

Scientists have observed gorillas expressing grief and behavior changes after the death of a sibling or troop mate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The researchers are currently developing its use in sanctuaries for great apes, including chimpanzees and gorillas.

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It turned out to be all of that 50 years ago, as well as being offensive, when he called his fight opponent, Joe Frazier, a gorilla.

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They had previously been characterized as entirely herbivorous, like gorillas, Goodall observed them hunting, killing and eating small mammals such as bush pigs and colobus monkeys, by any standard a complicated collaborative enterprise.

Read more on Salon

Every 10 minutes or so, a gong rang and an announcer proclaimed a new act was set to start — a magic show, a mariachi, a wandering gorilla.

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Related Words

• assassin 
• bandit 
• bully 
• criminal 
• gangster 
• goon 
• gunman 
• hooligan 
• mobster 
• murderer 
• rowdy 
• troublemaker