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

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

Taipei will send white-handed gibbons to Shanghai as part of the exchange, the Taipei Times said. — ABC News, 6 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