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 apes2 a: a person resembling a monkey b: a ludicrous figure : dupe3: any of various machines, implements, or vessels ; especially : the falling weight of a pile driver4: 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