great ape

noun

plural great apes
: any of several large primates including the orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzee, and bonobo that are classified in the same family (Hominidae) as humans

Examples of great ape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What does the archive contain, and how is that material being used? Gilby: The archive holds more than 65 years of records from the Gombe chimpanzee study — the longest-running research project on wild great apes. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Her groundbreaking research on Chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialize, and think—reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to Chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 The sanctuary is home to more than 70 great apes, who frolic in a lush Florida jungle outfitted with climbing structures, swinging vines and numerous toys and enrichment activities. Martha Shade, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 DiCaprio praised Goodall’s commitment to education and to empathy for chimpanzees and other great apes. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for great ape

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great ape was in 1771

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Great ape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20ape. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

great ape

noun
: any of a family of apes that includes the gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzee

More from Merriam-Webster on great ape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!