adjective
simian
SIHM-ee-uhn
Simian (adjective) means relating to or resembling apes or monkeys. Example: “He had a simian way of scratching his head when confused.”
adjective
1
Relating to or resembling apes or monkeys.
"He had a simian way of scratching his head when confused."
noun
1
An ape or monkey.
"The simians would require no special orientation courses to teach them the reasons for fighting, such as, “To make the world safe for Demagocracy,” or whatnot."
— H. G. Coulter, Time for Rebellion: A Play and Preface (1959)
"The documentary followed a troop of simians through the rainforest canopy."
How to use simian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to apes and monkeys, or a word for an ape or monkey itself.
Common pairings
simian features
simian behaviour
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Word forms
- Plural
- simians
- Comparative
- more simian
- Superlative
- most simian
Fill the gap
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He had a _____ way of scratching his head when confused.
Etymology
From Latin simia, "ape, monkey," itself from Greek simos, "snub-nosed."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for simian
See all rhymes for simian →Frequently asked questions
What does “simian” mean?
The word “simian” means relating to or resembling apes or monkeys. In plain terms, relating to apes and monkeys, or a word for an ape or monkey itself.
How do you pronounce “simian”?
“Simian” is pronounced SIHM-ee-uhn (/ˈsɪm.i.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “simian” in a sentence?
Here is “simian” used in a sentence: “He had a simian way of scratching his head when confused.”
What is another word for “simian”?
Words with a similar meaning to “simian” include apely, apish, monkeyish, simial and simious.
What part of speech is “simian”?
Depending on how it is used, “simian” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “simian” come from?
The word “simian” comes from Latin. From Latin simia, "ape, monkey," itself from Greek simos, "snub-nosed.".
How many meanings does “simian” have?
“Simian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or resembling apes or monkeys.
