ringtail monkey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowZoological, Scientific, Informal Wildlife Context
Quick answer
What does “ringtail monkey” mean?
A medium-sized monkey of the genus Cebus, native to Central and South America, characterized by a long, prehensile tail that is often carried with the tip curled into a ring shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized monkey of the genus Cebus, native to Central and South America, characterized by a long, prehensile tail that is often carried with the tip curled into a ring shape.
The term can be used informally to refer to certain capuchin or capuchin-like monkeys with distinctively marked tails. It is also the name for a specific species, the ring-tailed capuchin (Cebus albifrons).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both regions primarily use the term in zoological contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, descriptive zoological term in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English. More likely encountered in nature documentaries, zoos, or biological texts than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “ringtail monkey” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] ringtail monkey [VERBed] in the canopy.We saw a family of ringtail monkeys [VERB+ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ringtail monkey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The guide mentioned we might ringtail-monkey watch in the morning. (informal, non-standard)
American English
- This area is perfect to go ringtail monkey spotting. (informal, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- None. The term does not function as an adverb.
American English
- None. The term does not function as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We studied the ringtail monkey population on the island.
American English
- The ring-tailed monkey exhibit is near the entrance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, primatology, and conservation science texts and lectures.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by wildlife enthusiasts, in zoo visits, or when discussing specific documentary subjects.
Technical
Used as a common name for specific primate species in taxonomic and ecological research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ringtail monkey”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ringtail monkey”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ringtail monkey”
- Using 'ringtail monkey' to refer to a ring-tailed lemur (a primate from Madagascar).
- Hyphenation inconsistency: 'ringtail' vs. 'ring-tail'. The compound is typically solid or hyphenated as an adjective ('ringtail monkey' or 'ring-tailed monkey').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Ringtail monkey' is a common name for certain capuchin species, particularly those where the tail's ring-like tip is prominent. All ringtail monkeys are capuchins, but not all capuchins are called ringtail monkeys.
They are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Because the lower part of their long, prehensile tail is often carried with the very tip curled into a ring or circle, especially when at rest.
Not reliably. 'Ringtail' by itself more commonly refers to a raccoon-like mammal (the ringtail or cacomistle) in North America. Always use the full term 'ringtail monkey' for clarity.
A medium-sized monkey of the genus Cebus, native to Central and South America, characterized by a long, prehensile tail that is often carried with the tip curled into a ring shape.
Ringtail monkey is usually zoological, scientific, informal wildlife context in register.
Ringtail monkey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋteɪl ˈmʌŋki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋˌteɪl ˈmʌŋki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a specific zoological term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the monkey's tail forming a perfect ring (like a ringlet) as it hangs from a branch.
Conceptual Metaphor
None commonly associated with the term itself.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'ringtail monkey' most specifically?