capuchin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical (zoology, history, religion), culinary
Quick answer
What does “capuchin” mean?
A type of South American monkey with a black top of the head and body, often gray or brown, that resembles a monk's hood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of South American monkey with a black top of the head and body, often gray or brown, that resembles a monk's hood.
1. A member of a monastic order of friars founded in the 16th century. 2. A woman's cloak and hood. 3. A variety of pigeon with a hood-like marking. 4. A type of coffee made with steamed milk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The 'cappuccino' coffee sense is spelled identically but is more commonly used in its Italian spelling.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primate sense is dominant. The friar/cloak senses are archaic and found primarily in historical texts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly higher in contexts involving zoology, wildlife documentaries, or historical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “capuchin” in a Sentence
[adjective] + capuchincapuchin + [noun]capuchin + of + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capuchin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The capuchin population in the sanctuary is thriving.
- He studied capuchin tool-use behaviour.
American English
- The capuchin enclosure at the zoo is new.
- Capuchin social structures are complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except potentially in tourism (jungle tours) or pet trade contexts (highly regulated/illegal).
Academic
Common in primatology, zoology, biology, and historical religious studies.
Everyday
Rare. Might occur in nature documentaries, visits to zoos, or coffee shops (via 'cappuccino').
Technical
Specific in taxonomy (genus *Cebus* or *Sapajus*). Also in ecclesiastical history (Capuchin Order).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capuchin”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capuchin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capuchin”
- Misspelling as 'capuchino' (for the monkey).
- Confusing 'capuchin' (monkey) with 'cappuccino' (coffee) in writing.
- Using it as a general term for any small monkey.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, capuchin monkeys are wild animals with complex social and physical needs. They make poor pets and keeping them is often illegal or highly regulated.
A 'capuchin' is primarily a type of monkey (or a friar). 'Cappuccino' is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk foam, also named after the Capuchin friars due to the colour of their robes.
Some species of capuchin monkey are threatened due to habitat loss and the pet trade, but others are currently listed as of 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. Status varies by specific species.
They are native to Central and South America. In captivity, they can be seen in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries with appropriate primate facilities.
A type of South American monkey with a black top of the head and body, often gray or brown, that resembles a monk's hood.
Capuchin is usually formal, technical (zoology, history, religion), culinary in register.
Capuchin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkapjʊtʃɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæpjutʃɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small monkey wearing a tiny monk's hood ('capuche') while sipping a frothy cappuccino.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOODED/CAPPED BEING IS A CAPUCHIN (based on the distinctive head marking resembling a hood).
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of the name 'capuchin' for the monkey?