ape

play

noun \ˈāp\

Definition of ape

1a : monkey; especially : one of the larger tailless or short-tailed Old World formsb : any of various large tailless semi-erect primates of Africa and southeastern Asia (such as the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon) —called also anthropoid, anthropoid ape — compare great ape
2a : mimicb : a large uncouth person

apelike

play \ˈāp-ˌlīk\ adjective

See ape defined for English-language learners

See ape defined for kids

Examples of ape in a Sentence

Her boyfriend's some big ape she met at a party.

Origin and Etymology of ape

Middle English, from Old English apa; akin to Old High German affo ape

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

ape

verb

Definition of ape

aped

;

aping

transitive verb
: to copy closely but often clumsily and ineptly

aper

noun

See ape defined for English-language learners

Examples of ape in a Sentence

She apes the speech and manners of the rich.
was caught aping the substitute teacher's thick accent

1632

First Known Use of ape

1632

Synonym Discussion of ape

copy, imitate, mimic, ape, mock mean to make something so that it resembles an existing thing. copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible. copied the painting and sold the fake as an original imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation. imitate a poet's style mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation. pupils mimicking their teacher ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original. American fashion designers aped their European colleagues mock usually implies imitation with derision. mocking a vain man's pompous manner

ape

adjective

Definition of ape

: crazy, wild —usually used in the phrase go ape

See ape defined for English-language learners

1955

First Known Use of ape

1955

APE Defined for English Language Learners

ape

play

noun \ˈāp\

Definition of ape for English Language Learners

: a type of animal (such as a chimpanzee or gorilla) that is closely related to monkeys and humans and that is covered in hair and has no tail or a very short tail
: a large and stupid or rude person

ape

verb

Definition of ape for English Language Learners

: to copy or imitate (something or someone)

APE Defined for Kids

ape

play

noun \ˈāp\

Definition of ape for Students

: any of a group of tailless animals (as gorillas or chimpanzees) that are primates most closely related to humans

apelike

\ˈāp-ˌlīk\ adjective

ape

play

verb

Definition of ape for Students

aped

;

aping

: to imitate (someone) awkwardly He apes the styles of his favorite actor.

Medical Dictionary

ape

play

noun \ˈāp\

Medical Definition of ape

1: monkey; especially : one of the larger tailless or short-tailed Old World forms
2: any of the large tailless semierect primates of Africa and southeastern Asia (as the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon)—called also anthropoid, anthropoid ape