aye-aye

noun

: a small primitive nocturnal forest-dwelling primate (Daubentonia madagascariensis) of northern Madagascar that has a round head, large eyes and ears, and long thin fingers

Examples of aye-aye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In reality the aye-aye is just another (albeit unusual) primate trying to get by, using its outrageously long third digit to fish out wood-boring insects from channels in trees — not to cast curses. Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 When an aye-aye picks its nose, its finger travels through the sinus, into the throat, and into the mouth. Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aye-aye.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Malagasy aiay

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aye-aye was in 1781

Dictionary Entries Near aye-aye

Cite this Entry

“Aye-aye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aye-aye. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aye-aye

noun
ˈī-ˌī
: a lemur of Madagascar that has large eyes and ears and is active at night

More from Merriam-Webster on aye-aye

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