spider monkey

American  

noun

spider monkeys plural

1. any of several tropical American monkeys of the genus Ateles, having a slender body, long, slender limbs, and a long, prehensile tail: some are endangered.

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spider monkey British  

noun

1. 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

2. a rare related monkey, Brachyteles arachnoides, of SE Brazil

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• spider monkeys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of spider monkey

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

It is illegal to own primates as pets in the state of California and the poor condition of the young spider monkey is a prime example of why, zoo officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2025

Marcel is the first spider monkey confiscated in Madera County, Toler said, so she phoned the nearby Fresno Chaffee Zoo and asked for advice on the monkey’s care.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2025

Like the spider monkey, if a species relies on a specific food or a particular quality of tree, those needs will require conservation prioritization.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2024

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

It had a pony ride, a wooden train that bustled around the parking lot, a few bedraggled parrots, and a surly spider monkey.

From "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate