owl monkey

noun

: any of several small nocturnal monkeys (genus Aotus) of Central and South American tropical forests that have round heads, large eyes, and densely furred bodies

called also douroucouli

Examples of owl monkey 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.
To photograph owl monkeys in the treetops of Argentina, the cameraman used infrared light to illuminate the foliage. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 Feb. 2020 After about 20 minutes, the spider monkeys were replaced by a small owl monkey. Tessa Duvall, The Courier-Journal, 22 Feb. 2020 While humans average seven hours, other primates range from just under nine hours (blue-eyed black lemurs) to 17 (owl monkeys). Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2019 South America's Azara's owl monkey may offer some insight into how paternal care would reinforce monogamy. Blake Edgar, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of owl monkey was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Owl monkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/owl%20monkey. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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