gorilla

noun

go·​ril·​la gə-ˈri-lə 

1

: a very large typically black-colored great ape (Gorilla gorilla) of equatorial Africa that has a stocky body with broad shoulders and long arms and is less erect and has smaller ears than the chimpanzee

2

a

: an ugly or brutal man

b

: thug, goon

Synonyms of gorilla

• thug
• villain
• bandit
• gangster
• criminal
• assassin
• pirate
• hood

Examples of gorilla in a Sentence

She hired some gorilla as her bodyguard.

the loan shark sent a couple of gorillas to “convince” him to pay up

Recent Examples on the Web

Chimpanzees and gorillas both live in groups where nearly all of the adults are female. — ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026

The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 June 2026

There are few animals as fascinating and entertaining to watch as gorillas. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

The gorilla gradually started putting weight on the leg again under veterinary supervision. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek Gorillai, plural, a tribe of hairy women mentioned in an account of a voyage around Africa

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gorilla

• lowland gorilla
• mountain gorilla
• 800-pound gorilla

Rhymes for gorilla

• axilla
• flotilla
• guerilla
• guerrilla
• manilla
• mantilla
• maxilla
• mesilla
• papilla
• priscilla
• scintilla
• sensilla

Kids Definition

gorilla

noun

go·​ril·​la gə-ˈril-ə 

: a typically black ape of equatorial Africa that is much larger but stands less erect than the related chimpanzee

Etymology

derived from Greek Gorillai, a name used by ancient explorers for what they thought was a tribe of hairy women in Africa