noun

orangutan

uh-rang-oo-TAN

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Orangutan (noun) means a large, tree-dwelling ape with shaggy reddish-brown fur and long arms, native to Borneo and Sumatra. Example: “The orangutan swung effortlessly between the branches of the rainforest canopy.”

noun

A large, tree-dwelling ape with shaggy reddish-brown fur and long arms, native to Borneo and Sumatra.

"The orangutan swung effortlessly between the branches of the rainforest canopy."

How to use orangutan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe reddish, long-armed great ape found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.

Common mistake

Note the spelling — no "g" before the final "-tan" ("orangutan," not "orangutang," though the older spelling still appears occasionally).

Easily confused with

chimpanzee →

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: orangutans

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ swung effortlessly between the branches of the rainforest canopy.

Etymology

From Malay orang hutan, literally "forest person" — from orang ("person") and hutan ("forest").

Origin: Malay

Synonyms

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orang orangutang

Rhymes for orangutan

Bhutan

See all rhymes for orangutan →

Frequently asked questions

What does “orangutan” mean?

The word “orangutan” means a large, tree-dwelling ape with shaggy reddish-brown fur and long arms, native to Borneo and Sumatra. In plain terms, the reddish, long-armed great ape found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.

How do you pronounce “orangutan”?

“Orangutan” is pronounced uh-rang-oo-TAN (/əˈɹæŋ.əˌtæn/ in IPA).

How do you use “orangutan” in a sentence?

Here is “orangutan” used in a sentence: “The orangutan swung effortlessly between the branches of the rainforest canopy.”

What part of speech is “orangutan”?

“Orangutan” is a noun.

Where does the word “orangutan” come from?

The word “orangutan” comes from Malay. From Malay orang hutan, literally "forest person" — from orang ("person") and hutan ("forest").

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Words with Malay & tagalog origins