orangutan

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noun orang·u·tan \ ə-ˈraŋ-ə-ˌtaŋ , -ˈraŋ-gə- , -ˌtan \

Definition of orangutan

:a largely herbivorous arboreal anthropoid ape (Pongo pygmaeus) of Borneo and Sumatra that is about ²/₃ as large as the gorilla and has brown skin, long sparse reddish-brown hair, and very long arms

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Recent Examples of orangutan from the Web

While monkeys were unable to think too far into the future, great apes like chimps, bonobos and orangutans showed the ability to plan.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Like Humans and Apes, Ravens Can Plan for the Future," 15 July 2017
When Caesar and his advisors find a young, mute girl, the always-ethical orangutan Maurice (Karin Konoval) rescues her and names her Nova.

— annalee newitz, Ars Technica, "War for the Planet of the Apes," 14 July 2017
Send tips, comments, and a wise and benevolent orangutan to rebecca_keegan@condenast.com.

— vanityfair.com, "The Big Winner of the Emmy Nominations," 13 July 2017
Send tips, comments, and a wise and benevolent orangutan to rebecca_keegan@condenast.com.

— rebecca keegan, HWD, "The Big Winner of the Emmy Nominations," 13 July 2017
Osvath and others found evidence that other great apes, like chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, could choose and save tools for later use.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Ravens Can Plan for the Future," 13 July 2017
Andy Serkis’s performance as Caesar is one of the marvels of modern screen acting, and it’s complemented by those of Karin Konoval, reprising her role as the wise orangutan Maurice, and Steve Zahn, as a sad-clown sidekick named Bad Ape.

— a. o. scott, New York Times, "Review: New ‘Planet of the Apes’ Makes You Root Against Your Species," 12 July 2017
The three are the only Sumatran orangutans at the Philadelphia Zoo and live in the Peco Primate Reserve.

— julie shaw, Philly.com, "Newborn orangutan dies at Philadelphia Zoo," 11 July 2017
In addition to Caesar, many old favorites from the other movies return, the loveliest among them the empathetic orangutan Maurice (Karin Konoval): His gentle soul shines through his luminous pie plate of a face.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "War for the Planet of the Apes," 29 June 2017

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

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Origin and Etymology of orangutan

Bazaar Malay (Malay-based pidgin), from Malay orang man + hutan forest

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First Known Use: 1691

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ORANGUTAN Defined for English Language Learners

orangutan

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noun

Definition of orangutan for English Language Learners

: a large ape that has very long arms and reddish-brown hair

ORANGUTAN Defined for Kids

orangutan

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noun orang·utan \ ə-ˈraŋ-ə-ˌtaŋ , -ˌtan \

Definition of orangutan for Students

:a large ape of Borneo and Sumatra that lives in trees, eats mostly fruit, leaves, and other plant matter, and has very long arms, long reddish brown hair, and a nearly hairless face

History for orangutan

Orangutans live in dense tropical forests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, part of Indonesia. Like most apes they look a bit like humans. In a language called Malay, spoken by many people of Indonesia as a second language, the apes were given a name formed from Malay orang, “man,” and hutan, “forest”—in other words, “man of the forest.” Europeans visiting the islands adopted the word orangutan, and it found its way into English.

Learn More about orangutan

See words that rhyme with orangutan Spanish Central: Translation of orangutan Nglish: Translation of orangutan for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orangutan

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orangutan

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