First Known Use: circa 1530
Dictionary
1monkey
noun mon·key \ˈməŋ-kē\
: a type of animal that is closely related to apes and humans and that has a long tail and usually lives in trees
: a person (especially a child) who causes trouble in a playful way
plural monkeys
Full Definition of MONKEY
1
: a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers; especially : any of the smaller longer-tailed catarrhine or platyrrhine primates as contrasted with the apes
2
a : a person resembling a monkey b : a ludicrous figure : dupe
3
: any of various machines, implements, or vessels; especially : the falling weight of a pile driver
4
: a desperate desire for or addiction to drugs —often used in the phrase monkey on one's back; broadly : a persistent or annoying encumbrance or problem
See monkey defined for English-language learners
See monkey defined for kids
Origin of MONKEY
probably of Low German origin; akin to Moneke, name of an ape, probably of Romance origin; akin to Old Spanish mona monkey
Related to MONKEY
- Synonyms
- dependence (also dependance), habit, jones [slang], addiction
2monkey
verb
mon·keyedmon·key·ing
Definition of MONKEY
transitive verb
intransitive verb
1
: to act in a grotesque or mischievous manner
2
See monkey defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MONKEY
circa 1568
MONKEYED Defined for Kids
1monkey
noun mon·key \ˈməŋ-kē\
plural monkeys
Definition of MONKEY for Kids
: a furry animal of warm regions that has a long tail and that along with the apes is most closely related to humans
2monkey
verb
mon·keyedmon·key·ing
Definition of MONKEY for Kids
1
: to spend time in an idle or aimless way <We just monkeyed around in the gym.>
2
: to handle secretly or in a careless or incorrect way <He didn't want anyone monkeying with the cash register … — George Selden, The Cricket in Times Square>
Medical Dictionary
monkey
noun mon·key \ˈməŋ-kē\
Medical Definition of MONKEY
: a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers; especially : any of the smaller longer-tailed primates as contrasted with the apes
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