monkeys

Noun

monkey (plural monkeys or (obsolete) monkies)

1. (strictly) A member of the clade Simiiformes other than those in the clade Hominoidea containing apes, generally (but not universally) distinguished by small size, tails, and cheek pouches.
   • He had been visiting an area zoo when a monkey swung from its tree perch, swiped his glasses and hurled them into a hippo hole.
2. Any simian, including humans.
3. (broadly, proscribed, sometimes) Any simian primate other than hominids; any monkey or ape.
   • Chimpanzees are known to form bands to hunt and kill other monkeys.
4. (figuratively, informal, offensive, sometimes, generally derogatory) A naughty or mischievous person, especially a child.
   • Stop misbehaving, you cheeky little monkey!
5. (figuratively, slang, generally derogatory) The person in the motorcycle sidecar in sidecar racing.
6. (derogatory, figuratively, generally derogatory) Synonym of idiot: a person of minimal intelligence.

   Synonyms:

   idiot

See all 23 meanings of monkey