chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee (ˌ)chim-ˌpan-ˈzē 

-pən-ˈzē,

-ˈpan-zē 

 sometimes  (ˌ)shim-

: an anthropoid ape (Pan troglodytes) of equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla compare bonobo

Illustration of chimpanzee

Examples of chimpanzee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Visitors will find jaguars, tigers, tree kangaroos, crocodiles, elephants, camels, chimpanzees, rhinos, Florida panthers and meerkats, among many others. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025

Comparing skin wounds in humans with skin wounds in other primates (including chimpanzees, baboons, and two types of monkeys), as well as with skin wounds in other mammals (such as mice and rats), the researchers found that humans had a significantly slower rate of healing. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025

Generally speaking, it has been observed that only the most dominant chimpanzees consume significant amounts of vertebrate meat. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

Early attempts used kidneys, livers and hearts from baboons, chimpanzees and other creatures. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Kongo dialect chimpenzi

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chimpanzee

• pygmy chimpanzee

Rhymes for chimpanzee

• mansi
• pansy
• tansy

Kids Definition

chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē  ˌshim- 

chim-ˈpan-zē,

shim-

: an African ape that is related to the gorilla but is smaller and spends more of its time in trees

Medical Definition

chimpanzee

noun

chim·​pan·​zee ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē  ˌshim- 

-pən-; chim-ˈpan-zē,

shim-

: an anthropoid ape of the genus Pan (P. troglodytes) found in equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla see bonobo