simian
noun
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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
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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
Where to watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Max
02 of 10
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Rise successfully rebooted the Planet of the Apes franchise, but this even better sequel solidified the simians’ return to pop culture prominence.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2025
The design of their synthetic simian started with a scan of Williams for key features, but also incorporated the proportions of Jonno Davies (the actor who, wearing a mocap suit, performed the role) as well as chimp features.
—Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025
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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
Where to watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Max
02 of 10
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Rise successfully rebooted the Planet of the Apes franchise, but this even better sequel solidified the simians’ return to pop culture prominence.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2025
The design of their synthetic simian started with a scan of Williams for key features, but also incorporated the proportions of Jonno Davies (the actor who, wearing a mocap suit, performed the role) as well as chimp features.
—Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 31 Jan. 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 10 Jun. 2026.
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
