capuchin

noun

ca·​pu·​chin ˈka-pyə-shən 

-pə-,

especially for sense 3 also

kə-ˈpyü- 

-ˈpü-

1

capitalized : a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin forming since 1529 an austere branch of the first order of St. Francis of Assisi engaged in missionary work and preaching

2

: a hooded cloak for women

3

: any of a genus (Cebus) of South and Central American monkeys

especially : one (C. capucinus) with the dark hair on its crown resembling a close-fitting cap

Did you know?

Members of a genus of tropical monkeys (four species altogether) capuchins are found from Nicaragua to Paraguay. Considered among the most intelligent New World monkeys, capuchins are so-named because of their cap of crown hair, which resembles the cowl of Capuchin monks. These stocky, round-headed monkeys are 12-22 in. (30-55 cm) long, with a hairy, prehensile tail of about the same length. They are brown or black in color, sometimes with white markings. Capuchins live in troops, often in the treetops. They eat fruit and small animals and sometimes raid plantations for oranges and other food. They are easily trained and are valued as gentle pets.

Examples of capuchin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rolling Stone reported in 2021 that her capuchin monkeys lived at her Sunrise Beach house. —Emily Krauser, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024

Filling out the comically large ensemble of oddball characters related to the case are L. Scott Caldwell, Rob Delaney, Meredith Hagner, Natalie Martinez, Alex Moffat , Michelle Monaghan, Ronald Peet and a capuchin playing the titular primate. —Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2024

Children, like capuchins, are social beings, but human morality is exceedingly complicated and requires time to fully develop. —Melanie Killen, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024

Rockbridge County will keep custody of four giraffes, 17 capuchins, 14 tortoises and one skink, among other animals. —Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio; from his cowl

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

capuchin

noun

cap·​u·​chin

ˈkap-yə-shən,

kə-ˈp(y)ü-

: a brown or black monkey of South and Central America with a whitish face, chest, and shoulders