noun
gorilla
guh-RIHL-uh
noun
1
The largest living primate, a powerful ape native to the forests of Central Africa.
"The silverback gorilla stood guard over its troop."
"Gorillas are mostly gentle despite their imposing size."
2
(informal) A large, physically intimidating man, especially one used as muscle.
"Two gorillas in suits blocked the entrance to the VIP room."
How to Use Gorilla
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe huge ape, or informally, a big tough man (often a bodyguard-type figure).
Common pairings
silverback gorilla
gorilla in a suit
Word Forms
gorillas plural
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Etymology
Traces back through Ancient Greek Górillai, a name reportedly used by the Carthaginian explorer Hanno for a tribe of hairy people he encountered on the West African coast — the word was later borrowed for the ape.