bonobo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Scientific, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “bonobo” mean?
A great ape species (Pan paniscus), closely related to the chimpanzee, found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noted for its slender build, peaceful social structure, and female-dominated society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A great ape species (Pan paniscus), closely related to the chimpanzee, found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noted for its slender build, peaceful social structure, and female-dominated society.
Used metaphorically to represent peaceful conflict resolution, matriarchal social models, or as a symbol of human evolution's gentler possibilities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties, linked to primatology and evolutionary studies.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bonobo” in a Sentence
The [researchers] studied the [bonobos] in [the Congo basin].[Bonobos], unlike [chimpanzees], are known for [their peaceful nature].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bonobo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The species cannot be verbed.
American English
- The species cannot be verbed.
adverb
British English
- The species cannot be adverbially derived.
American English
- The species cannot be adverbially derived.
adjective
British English
- The bonobo population is under threat.
- She has a bonobo-like approach to social harmony.
American English
- The bonobo population is under threat.
- She has a bonobo-like approach to conflict resolution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in primatology, anthropology, biology, and evolutionary psychology papers.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in nature documentaries, science news, or general knowledge quizzes.
Technical
Specific to zoological and conservation contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bonobo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bonobo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bonobo”
- Misspelling as 'banobo' or 'bonobbo'.
- Confusing with the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).
- Using it as a general term for any ape.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are two distinct species (Pan paniscus and Pan troglodytes) with different physical traits, behaviours, and social structures.
They are one of our two closest living relatives (along with common chimpanzees), offering crucial insights into human evolution, social behaviour, and conflict resolution.
Only in the wild in the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or in a limited number of specialist zoos and sanctuaries worldwide.
Habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, bushmeat hunting, and civil unrest in their native region.
A great ape species (Pan paniscus), closely related to the chimpanzee, found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noted for its slender build, peaceful social structure, and female-dominated society.
Bonobo is usually formal, academic, scientific, journalistic in register.
Bonobo: in British English it is pronounced /bəˈnəʊbəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bəˈnoʊboʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word does not feature in idiomatic expressions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BONObo concert that's very peaceful and harmonious, unlike a rowdy rock show – reflecting the bonobo's peaceful nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
BONOBO AS A MODEL FOR PEACE (e.g., 'We should be more like bonobos in resolving our conflicts.')
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of bonobo social structure?