spider monkey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “spider monkey” mean?
A type of New World monkey with long limbs and a prehensile tail, belonging to the genus Ateles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of New World monkey with long limbs and a prehensile tail, belonging to the genus Ateles.
A term sometimes used metaphorically to describe a person with long, thin limbs or agile, climbing movements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent as two words.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: the animal, or a playful/imaginative comparison to it.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, primarily encountered in zoological, wildlife, or travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spider monkey” in a Sentence
The [adjective] spider monkey [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spider monkey” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He made a spider-monkey leap for the branch.
American English
- She has a spider-monkey agility on the climbing frame.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, ecological, and anthropological texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife, zoos, travel to Central/South America, or in children's contexts.
Technical
Standard term in primatology and taxonomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spider monkey”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spider monkey”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spider monkey”
- Spelling as one word: 'spidermonkey'.
- Confusing it with other long-limbed primates like gibbons.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a primate. The name comes from its spider-like long, thin limbs and tail.
Yes, they have a prehensile tail which acts as a fifth limb for gripping and hanging.
Generally not, but like any wild animal, they can be defensive if threatened. They are not typically aggressive.
Habitat loss due to deforestation is the primary threat, along with hunting in some regions.
A type of New World monkey with long limbs and a prehensile tail, belonging to the genus Ateles.
Spider monkey is usually neutral to technical in register.
Spider monkey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdə ˌmʌŋki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdər ˌmʌŋki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a spider with its long legs, but swinging like a monkey in the trees.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONG/THIN IS SPIDER-LIKE; AGILE/CLIMBING IS MONKEY-LIKE.
Practice
Quiz
Where are spider monkeys naturally found?