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noun A2 Elementary

chimpanzee

chihm-PAN-zee

Chimpanzee (noun) means a highly intelligent great ape native to Africa, one of humanity's closest living relatives. Example: “Researchers have observed chimpanzees using tools to extract termites.”

noun
1
A highly intelligent great ape native to Africa, one of humanity's closest living relatives.
"Researchers have observed chimpanzees using tools to extract termites."
"The zoo's new chimpanzee enclosure lets visitors watch them up close."

How to Use Chimpanzee

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA great ape closely related to humans, often just called a "chimp".

Common pairings
a troop of chimpanzees chimpanzee behavior

Word Forms

chimpanzees plural

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Fill the Gap

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Researchers have observed _____ using tools to extract termites.

Etymology

First recorded in English in 1738, borrowed via French from a Bantu-language word from Angola.

Origin: French · First attested 1738

Class of 1738 chimpanzee joined the language around 1738.
See the full Class of 1738 →

Rhymes for chimpanzee

See all rhymes for chimpanzee →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “chimpanzee” mean?

The word “chimpanzee” means a highly intelligent great ape native to Africa, one of humanity's closest living relatives. In plain terms, a great ape closely related to humans, often just called a "chimp".

How do you pronounce “chimpanzee”?

“Chimpanzee” is pronounced chihm-PAN-zee (/t͡ʃɪmˈpæn.zi/ in IPA).

How do you use “chimpanzee” in a sentence?

Here is “chimpanzee” used in a sentence: “Researchers have observed chimpanzees using tools to extract termites.”

What part of speech is “chimpanzee”?

“Chimpanzee” is a noun.

Where does the word “chimpanzee” come from?

The word “chimpanzee” dates back to around 1738 and comes from French. First recorded in English in 1738, borrowed via French from a Bantu-language word from Angola.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial