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

Those Sundays writhing on the couch with him were our simian language of love. — Nick Stern, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025

Here, glass walls allow the room to flood with the sunset; bathers are only at risk of simian peeping toms. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Noun

Brash simian Robbie is a lot more fun to watch than soppy simian Robbie. — Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

Despite the role the simians play in the series as observers of the human drama, the resorts on the TWL3 trail are monkey-free. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

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

Rhymes for simian

• simeon

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