chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee (ˌ)chim-ˌpan-ˈzē How to pronounce chimpanzee (audio)
-pən-ˈzē, 
-ˈpan-zē How to pronounce chimpanzee (audio)
sometimes (ˌ)shim-
: a great ape (Pan troglodytes) of equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla compare bonobo

Illustration of chimpanzee

Illustration of chimpanzee

Examples of chimpanzee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After dressing up as an anthropomorphic worm, an incredibly realistic ET, and a chimpanzee complete with prosthetic facial features and ears, the supermodel is ready to amaze us once again. — Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 In Nyungwe Forest, One&Only Nyungwe House combines a beautiful rainforest setting with easy access to the region’s chimpanzee trekking and other experiences. — Leora Rothschild, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2026 The series also features rare live footage of chimpanzees using rudimentary tools (twigs or branches) to fish for algae at the bottom of a pond (see top video). — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 Oct. 2026 Ssebayiga and his team of Deaf guides lead expeditions like gorilla treks through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, rhino-tracking safaris at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and chimpanzee-watching in Kibale Forest National Park. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chimpanzee

Word History

Etymology

Kongo dialect chimpenzi

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chimpanzee was in 1738

Phrases Containing chimpanzee

Rhymes for chimpanzee

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Browse Nearby Words

chimp
chimpanzee
chimpanzoid
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Cite this Entry

“Chimpanzee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chimpanzee. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chimpanzee

noun
chim·​pan·​zee ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē How to pronounce chimpanzee (audio) ˌshim- How to pronounce chimpanzee (audio)
chim-ˈpan-zē, 
shim-
: an African ape that is related to the gorilla but is smaller and spends more of its time in trees

Medical Definition

chimpanzee

noun
chim·​pan·​zee ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē How to pronounce chimpanzee (audio) ˌshim- How to pronounce chimpanzee (audio)
-pən-; chim-ˈpan-zē, 
shim-
: an anthropoid ape of the genus Pan (P. troglodytes) found in equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla see bonobo

More from Merriam-Webster on chimpanzee

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chimpanzee

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