gibbon

noun

gib·bon | \ ˈgi-bən

Definition of gibbon

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

Gibbon

biographical name

Gib·bon | \ ˈgi-bən

Definition of Gibbon (Entry 2 of 2)

Edward 1737–1794 English historian

Other Words from gibbon Example Sentences Learn More about gibbon

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Examples of gibbon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The world’s most critically endangered primate, the Hainan gibbon, is barely surviving. — Mary Bates, National Geographic, "Only 30 of these primates remain on Earth. This simple rope bridge may help.," 15 Oct. 2020 But this is the first example of the rare Hainan gibbon using them. — Lucy Hicks, Science | AAAS, "This primate is on the brink of extinction. Humanmade bridges could save it," 15 Oct. 2020 With just 30 individuals left, the Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) is considered the rarest primate on Earth. — Lucy Hicks, Science | AAAS, "This primate is on the brink of extinction. Humanmade bridges could save it," 15 Oct. 2020 Because the species is so precarious, each gibbon’s survival is vital, says Bosco Pui Lok Chan, who manages the Hainan Gibbon Conservation Project, run by the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, in Hong Kong. — Mary Bates, National Geographic, "Only 30 of these primates remain on Earth. This simple rope bridge may help.," 15 Oct. 2020 But conservationists are seeing a glimmer of hope for the primate as the Hainan gibbon population climbs above 30 and birthrates stabilize. — Lindsey Mcginnis, The Christian Science Monitor, "Points of Progress: US traffic deaths decline for third year, and more," 5 June 2020 Previous research has found similar patterns of vocal sequences in the calls of gibbons and baboons. — NBC News, "Call of the wild? African penguins share some linguistic patterns with humans.," 5 Feb. 2020 More active-minded travelers can take on water sports, golfing, guided hikes, and even treks to see white-handed gibbons in their natural habitat. — Chadner Navarro, Fortune, "2020’s Most Anticipated Hotel Openings," 1 Jan. 2020 The zoo’s news release did not include a name for the infant gibbon. — Rachel Herzog, Arkansas Online, "Little Rock Zoo welcomes baby gibbon," 16 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gibbon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.