monkey puzzle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Semi-Formal. Common in horticultural, botanical, and descriptive contexts; informal in metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “monkey puzzle” mean?
A tall, coniferous evergreen tree (Araucaria araucana) native to the Andes, known for its distinctive, sharp, overlapping leaves that densely cover its branches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, coniferous evergreen tree (Araucaria araucana) native to the Andes, known for its distinctive, sharp, overlapping leaves that densely cover its branches.
Often used metonymically to refer to any tree of the Araucaria genus with similar spiky foliage, or metaphorically to describe a situation or object that is confusing or difficult to navigate, akin to a puzzle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly referenced in UK English, both as a tree and a known garden specimen. In the US, it is more regionally known, especially in coastal temperate areas; often called 'Chilean pine' in American horticulture.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a slight connotation of Victorian or Edwardian gardens and arboretums. In the US, it may be perceived as an exotic or unusual specimen tree.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English. In the US, the term 'Chilean pine' or the scientific name may be used with comparable or greater frequency in technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey puzzle” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] monkey puzzle stood in the [PLACE].They admired the monkey puzzle [PREP PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey puzzle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hedge was so overgrown it had completely monkey-puzzled its way through the fence.
- Stop monkey-puzzling about and make a decision!
American English
- The wiring in the old house was all monkey-puzzled together.
adverb
British English
- The cables ran monkey-puzzlingly across the ceiling.
adjective
British English
- They got lost in the monkey-puzzle branches of the bureaucracy.
- It was a monkey-puzzle kind of problem.
American English
- The instructions had a monkey-puzzle quality to them.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, and environmental science texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing gardens, parks, or distinctive trees. Metaphorical use is informal.
Technical
Standard term in botany and horticulture; often accompanied by the Latin binomial.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey puzzle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey puzzle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey puzzle”
- Confusing it with a 'monkey pod' tree (Samanea saman).
- Using 'monkey puzzle' as a general term for any conifer.
- Misspelling as 'monkeypuzzle' (though sometimes accepted).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The name originates from the 1850s. A comment was made that the tree's spiky, intertwining branches would puzzle even a monkey trying to climb it.
No, they are different species within the same Araucaria genus. The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) has softer, more symmetrical branching.
It is surprisingly hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°C (5°F) once established, but it thrives best in temperate, moist climates.
No, it's a creative, informal extension of the term. It is understood in context but is not a fixed idiom like 'a can of worms'.
A tall, coniferous evergreen tree (Araucaria araucana) native to the Andes, known for its distinctive, sharp, overlapping leaves that densely cover its branches.
Monkey puzzle is usually neutral to semi-formal. common in horticultural, botanical, and descriptive contexts; informal in metaphorical use. in register.
Monkey puzzle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌpʌz(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌpʌz(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A real monkey puzzle (informal: a very confusing situation).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a monkey trying to climb this tree but getting puzzled because the branches are too spiky and tangled.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS A TANGLE (the tree's impenetrable foliage maps onto difficult problems).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary native habitat of the monkey puzzle tree?