simian

1 of 2

adjective

sim·​i·​an ˈsi-mē-ən 

: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

simian

2 of 2

noun

: monkey, ape

also : any of a suborder (Anthropoidea) of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans

Did you know?

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

Adjective

Planet of the Apes (2001) While plenty of the other actors in Tim Burton’s remake disappear under their prosthetic simian makeover, Giamatti is entirely recognizable as the orangutan slaver Limbo, providing neurotic comic relief on the edges of this would-be summer blockbuster. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024

Internationally, however, the simian sequel retained its top position with $40.6 million, for a global cume of $237.5 million. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 19 May 2024

Noun

The quiet yet profound orangutan Maurice is as lovable as Koba, the villainous ape who betrays his fellow simians, is detestable, and Serkis’s Caesar stands as the film’s MVP. —Barry Levitt, Vulture, 10 May 2024

Even Pierre Boulle, who wrote the novel upon which the 1968 film was based, never imagined a future this long, complicated, or full of talking simians. —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin simia ape, from simus snub-nosed, from Greek simos

First Known Use

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing simian

• simian immunodeficiency virus

Kids Definition

simian

1 of 2 adjective

sim·​i·​an ˈsim-ē-ən 

: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

simian

2 of 2 noun

: monkey entry 1 sense 1, ape entry 1 sense 1