orangutan
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.”
How to use orangutan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe reddish, long-armed great ape found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
Note the spelling — no "g" before the final "-tan" ("orangutan," not "orangutang," though the older spelling still appears occasionally).
Word forms
orangutans plural
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").
Synonyms
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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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