Washoe

American  

[wosh-oh, waw-shoh] / ˈwɒʃ oʊ, ˈwɔ ʃoʊ /

noun

1. 1965–2007, female chimpanzee: first ape trained to communicate with humans by means of a sign language.

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Etymology

Origin of Washoe

Named after Washoe County, in northwest Nevada, where the chimpanzee was raised

Example Sentences

The person I bought it from was in Washoe Valley, Nev. He told me he found the car in a barn or warehouse in Southern California.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

For six days, the city saw a seven-car convoy of black SUVs carry the media mogul and his family to the Washoe County Courthouse.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024

Hicks served as the district attorney in Washoe County from 1974-78 and then joined a law firm, according to an online biography.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2024

The new trail boasts rugged, forested landscape, steep rocks, and beautiful views of Carson City and neighboring Washoe Valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2024

Their range seemed to be from Washoe and Carson valleys on the east in winter, up to Tahoe and over the Sierras for fishing and hunting in the summer.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton