gibbon

noun

gib·​bon ˈgi-bən 

: any of a family (Hylobatidae) of agile brachiating tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are the smallest and most arboreal anthropoid apes

Illustration of gibbon

Examples of gibbon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The yellow-cheeked gibbon, described as an independent endangered primate species in 2010, has only been found in a few forests in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, and is now confirmed in the national park. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025

Chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, and monkeys are next on her list. —ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025

Cao vit gibbons, or eastern black crested gibbons, have maintained incredibly small populations following their rediscovery in 2002 by researchers with Fauna & Flora, and only 74 individuals are thought to live in the wild. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025

One post, for example, promises his ability to teach gorilla, orangutan, and gibbon skills—all of which have three levels—for interested participants. —Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 27 Feb. 2025

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