gibbon

noun

gib·​bon ˈgi-bən 

plural gibbons

: any of a family (Hylobatidae) of agile brachiating apes of southeastern Asia that are smaller and more arboreal than the great apes

When a gibbon wants to get someplace in a hurry, it swings with lightning speed from branch to branch grabbing and releasing its hold so quickly that it spends more time in the air than gripping the branches.

—International Wildlife

Illustration of gibbon

Examples of gibbon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the gibbon treated the tiny rodent with remarkable gentleness. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026

Similar behavior has been observed in socially monogamous mammals, such as wolves and gibbons. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 8 July 2026

The University of Warwick study could be extended to gibbons and other primates that do not fall under the great ape category, according to a release, which noted the extension could further map the evolution of vocal control. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Taipei will send white-handed gibbons to Shanghai as part of the exchange, the Taipei Times said. — Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gibbon

• ribbon
• inhibin

Kids Definition

gibbon

noun

gib·​bon ˈgib-ən 

: any of several tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are smaller and spend more time in trees than the gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan

Biographical Definition

Gibbon

biographical name

Gib·​bon ˈgi-bən 

Edward 1737–1794 English historian

Gibbonesque

ˌgi-bə-ˈnesk 

adjective

or Gibbonian

gi-ˈbō-nē-ən