chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee (ˌ)chim-ˌpan-ˈzē 

-pən-ˈzē,

-ˈpan-zē 

 sometimes  (ˌ)shim-

: an anthropoid ape (Pan troglodytes) of equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla compare bonobo

Illustration of chimpanzee

Examples of chimpanzee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers discovered these new complexities in chimpanzees’ vocal system by following particular animals in the field from dawn to dusk for about 12 hours each day, recording the sounds the chimpanzees made and the responses from others in the group. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 11 May 2025

See ‘boozy’ encounter April 22, 2025 11:44 AM Read Next World Rare video of chimpanzee using tool caught on trail cam. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025

Officially taking place from September 14th to September 21st, the Classic Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari Holiday provides guests with an opportunity to get a close-up view of some of the nation’s most captivating fauna, with the trip taking place during peak chimpanzee mating season. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Sharing in Chimpanzee Society Food sharing is already known to play a key role in chimpanzee society, much like grooming. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Kongo dialect chimpenzi

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chimpanzee

• pygmy chimpanzee

Rhymes for chimpanzee

• mansi
• pansy
• tansy

Kids Definition

chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē  ˌshim- 

chim-ˈpan-zē,

shim-

: an African ape that is related to the gorilla but is smaller and spends more of its time in trees

Medical Definition

chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē  ˌshim- 

-pən-; chim-ˈpan-zē,

shim-

: an anthropoid ape of the genus Pan (P. troglodytes) found in equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla see bonobo