spider monkey
Americannoun
noun
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any of several arboreal New World monkeys of the genus Ateles, of Central and South America, having very long legs, a long prehensile tail, and a small head
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a rare related monkey, Brachyteles arachnoides, of SE Brazil
Etymology
Origin of spider monkey
First recorded in 1755–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 18-month-old spider monkey was taken to the Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital for treatment.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2025
A baby spider monkey discovered by the California Highway Patrol this week is in critical condition — suffering from malnourishment, skin and coat issues and an upper respiratory infection.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2025
Some, like the spider monkey, effortlessly swing through branches, while others, like the capuchin, display remarkable problem-solving abilities.
From Salon • Dec. 14, 2023
At least six spider monkey species living in Central and South America are considered endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
From BBC • Aug. 6, 2023
No, that’s not right; I actually fell over my own feet, which felt like they were being remote-controlled by a spider monkey during a sleep-deprivation experiment.
From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
