gibbons: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Scientific, Educational
Quick answer
What does “gibbons” mean?
Small, arboreal apes native to the forests of Southeast Asia, known for their long arms, swinging locomotion (brachiation), and distinctive loud calls.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small, arboreal apes native to the forests of Southeast Asia, known for their long arms, swinging locomotion (brachiation), and distinctive loud calls.
In historical and specialist contexts, the term can refer to persons named Gibbon (e.g., the historian Edward Gibbon). In very rare, dated slang, 'gibbon' could be used as a derogatory term for a foolish person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The word is used identically in zoological, educational, and media contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of an agile, acrobatic, vocal primate associated with rainforests.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but equally standard in relevant contexts (zoology, documentaries, wildlife conservation).
Grammar
How to Use “gibbons” in a Sentence
[Subject: plural NP] + gibbons + [VP: describing action/habitat]The + ADJ + gibbons + of + [Location NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gibbons” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb. Hypothetical/playful: 'The children gibboned about on the playground equipment.']
American English
- [Not standard as a verb. Hypothetical/playful: 'He gibboned his way across the monkey bars.']
adverb
British English
- [Not standard.]
American English
- [Not standard.]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. Possible attributive use: 'a gibbon-like agility'.]
American English
- [Not standard. Possible attributive use: 'gibbon behavior studies'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in tourism (eco-tours) or wildlife-related NGOs.
Academic
Common in biological, zoological, environmental science, and conservation literature.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife, zoos, nature documentaries, or travel to Southeast Asia.
Technical
Specific in primatology and taxonomy for species like Hylobates lar, Nomascus, etc.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gibbons”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gibbons”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gibbons”
- Misspelling as 'gibons' or 'gibbins'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to gibbon'). Incorrect singular/plural ('a gibbons').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gibbons are apes, not monkeys. Apes (including gibbons, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and humans) lack tails and generally have larger brains and more complex behavior compared to monkeys.
Gibbons are native to the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of China, India, and Bangladesh.
Gibbons are primarily frugivorous (fruit-eating), but their diet also includes leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects or small animals, making them omnivores.
The primary threats are habitat destruction due to deforestation for agriculture and logging, and the illegal wildlife pet trade. Many gibbon species are critically endangered.
Small, arboreal apes native to the forests of Southeast Asia, known for their long arms, swinging locomotion (brachiation), and distinctive loud calls.
Gibbons is usually formal, scientific, educational in register.
Gibbons: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪb.ənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪb.ənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None in common usage for the primate. The name 'Gibbon' appears in 'Gibbon's Decline and Fall', referring to the historical work.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'gibbons' as the 'gib-ers' who GIBber loudly as they swing through the trees.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not commonly metaphorized. Potentially: 'AGILITY IS BEING A GIBBON' (e.g., 'He moves like a gibbon').]
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mode of locomotion for gibbons?