Main Entry: ¹mon·key

Pronunciation: \ˈməŋ-kē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural monkeys

Etymology: probably of Low German origin; akin to Moneke, name of an ape, probably of Romance origin; akin to Old Spanish mona monkey

Date: circa 1530

1 : a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers; especially : any of the smaller longer-tailed catarrhine or platyrrhine primates as contrasted with the apes
2 a : a person resembling a monkey b : a ludicrous figure : dupe
3 : any of various machines, implements, or vessels; especially : the falling weight of a pile driver
4 : a desperate desire for or addiction to drugs —often used in the phrase monkey on one's back; broadly : a persistent or annoying encumbrance or problem