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The Latin word for "ape" is simia, which itself comes from simus, "snub-nosed". Simian is usually a scientific word; thus, for instance, biologists study simian viruses in the search for cures to AIDS and other diseases. But simian can be used by the rest of us to describe human behavior. Human babies often cling to their mothers in a simian way, and kids playing on a jungle gym may look like simians. But if you notice that a friend has a simian style of walking or eating bananas, it might be best not to tell him.
Examples of simian in a Sentence
Adjective
a study of simian viruses
Recent Examples on the Web
Ron Arias, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
When a group of monkeys were given the compound before being exposed to H.I.V.’s simian cousin, S.I.V., not a single one was infected.
—Jon Cohen, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Rival trainers brought chimpanzees to town — including a celebrated simian named Joe Mendi, who wore a plaid suit and a fedora hat.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for simian
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Adjective
The lab leader, who probably didn't expect a middle-aged Englishwoman to imitate his simian charges, reached out to hold her back.
—Ron Arias, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
When a group of monkeys were given the compound before being exposed to H.I.V.’s simian cousin, S.I.V., not a single one was infected.
—Jon Cohen, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Noun
The outline of the cosmic simian's mouth and face are sculpted from a colossal cloud of molecular dust located some 500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Corona Australis, while the blue glowing eyes are formed from blue reflection nebulas.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Rival trainers brought chimpanzees to town — including a celebrated simian named Joe Mendi, who wore a plaid suit and a fedora hat.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for simian
Cite this Entry
“Simian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simian. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
simian
1 of 2 adjective
sim·i·an
ˈsim-ē-ən 
: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes
simian
2 of 2 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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