monkey bars: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “monkey bars” mean?
A playground structure consisting of a series of horizontal bars (or a grid of bars) mounted above the ground on vertical supports, used by children for climbing and swinging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A playground structure consisting of a series of horizontal bars (or a grid of bars) mounted above the ground on vertical supports, used by children for climbing and swinging.
A framework of bars (often in a grid or ladder-like formation) used for climbing, training, or exercise; metaphorically, can refer to any complex, interconnected system requiring navigation or skill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term 'monkey bars' is common but the older term 'climbing frame' (referring to the larger structure of which monkey bars are often a part) is also widely used and understood as more generic. 'Monkey bars' specifically denote the overhead ladder component.
Connotations
Largely the same: childhood, playgrounds, physical activity. No significant difference.
Frequency
Used in both varieties, but perhaps more specifically in American English for the overhead apparatus, while British English may use 'climbing frame' for the broader structure.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey bars” in a Sentence
[Child] plays on the monkey bars.The [playground/park] has monkey bars.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey bars” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The children love to monkey bar across the playground frame.
- She monkey-barred her way to the other side with ease.
American English
- He monkey-barred across the entire length without falling.
- Kids were monkey barring on the new playground equipment.
adverb
British English
- He moved monkey-bar-style across the scaffolding. (Very rare/figurative)
American English
- She traversed the gap monkey-bar fast. (Very rare/figurative)
adjective
British English
- He showed impressive monkey-bar agility.
- The playground's monkey-bar section was the most popular.
American English
- She has monkey-bar calluses on her hands.
- We need to check the monkey-bar safety standards.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely, except in contexts of playground manufacturing or urban planning.
Academic
Rare; possibly in developmental psychology or childhood studies.
Everyday
The primary context: discussing playgrounds, children's activities, or childhood memories.
Technical
Used in landscape architecture, playground safety standards, and equipment design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey bars”
- Using singular 'monkey bar'. Incorrect: 'She hung from a monkey bar.' Correct: 'She hung from the monkey bars.' Treating it as a mass noun (e.g., 'some monkey bars').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the term is inherently plural: 'monkey bars'. You would not refer to a single rung as 'a monkey bar'.
Monkey bars typically refer specifically to an overhead ladder or grid of bars for swinging. A 'jungle gym' (more common in AmE) is a broader term for a climbing structure that may include monkey bars, platforms, and other elements.
They require supervision as falls are common. Modern playgrounds often have lower bars and soft landing surfaces. Safety depends on design, height, and the child's ability.
Yes, informally. To 'monkey bar' means to traverse by swinging from one overhead bar to the next (e.g., 'He monkey-barred across the chasm').
A playground structure consisting of a series of horizontal bars (or a grid of bars) mounted above the ground on vertical supports, used by children for climbing and swinging.
Monkey bars is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Monkey bars: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki bɑːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki bɑːrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist specifically for 'monkey bars'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine MONKEYs climbing on metal BARS in the jungle (gym). The word itself pictures the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PLAYGROUND / A DIFFICULT TASK IS NAVIGATING MONKEY BARS (e.g., 'Navigating the new tax code was like crossing monkey bars').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'monkey bars' most appropriately used?