primate
Primate (noun) means a mammal belonging to the group that includes apes, monkeys, humans, and lemurs. Example: “Chimpanzees are among our closest living primate relatives.”
How to use primate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an animal from the group including monkeys, apes, and humans, or (in some churches) a top-ranking archbishop.
Word forms
primates plural, primates plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Chimpanzees are among our closest living _____ relatives.
Etymology
From French primate, from Latin prīmās ("one of the first rank, chief"); the biological sense reflects the old idea that primates were the "highest" order of mammals.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for primate
See all rhymes for primate →Frequently asked questions
What does “primate” mean?
The word “primate” means a mammal belonging to the group that includes apes, monkeys, humans, and lemurs. In plain terms, either an animal from the group including monkeys, apes, and humans, or (in some churches) a top-ranking archbishop.
How do you pronounce “primate”?
“Primate” is pronounced PREYE-mayt (/ˈpɹaɪmeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “primate” in a sentence?
Here is “primate” used in a sentence: “Chimpanzees are among our closest living primate relatives.”
What part of speech is “primate”?
“Primate” is a noun.
Where does the word “primate” come from?
The word “primate” comes from Latin. From French primate, from Latin prīmās ("one of the first rank, chief"); the biological sense reflects the old idea that primates were the "highest" order of mammals.
Is “primate” a common word?
“Primate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “primate” have?
“Primate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mammal belonging to the group that includes apes, monkeys, humans, and lemurs.