noun

indri

IN-dree

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Indri (noun) means one of the largest living lemurs, found only in Madagascar. Example: “The indri's loud, wailing call carries far across the rainforest canopy.”

noun

One of the largest living lemurs, found only in Madagascar.

"The indri's loud, wailing call carries far across the rainforest canopy."

"Unlike most lemurs, the indri has only a stump of a tail."

"Conservationists are working to protect the indri's shrinking forest habitat."

How to use indri

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA large, tailless lemur native to Madagascar, known for its loud calls.

When to use it

A specialist natural-history term used mainly in zoology and conservation writing.

Memory tip

Remember the indri is famous for having almost no tail, unlike other lemurs.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

the call of the indri an indri troop the endangered indri

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “indri” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____'s loud, wailing call carries far across the rainforest canopy.

Etymology

The word probably comes from the Malagasy endrina, the local name for the lemur. A popular but doubtful story claims French naturalist Pierre Sonnerat mistook a Malagasy exclamation, roughly meaning 'look there!', for the animal's name.

Origin: Malagasy

Synonyms

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babacoote babakoto

Frequently asked questions

What is an indri?

The indri is one of the largest living lemurs, a primate found only on the island of Madagascar.

Is the word indri Malagasy?

It most likely derives from a Malagasy word for the animal, though a well-known alternative story has it coming from a misheard local exclamation.

How many indris are there in the plural?

The plural form is simply indris.

What is the meaning of indri?

"indri" (noun) means one of the largest living lemurs, found only in Madagascar.