simian

1 of 2

adjective

sim·​i·​an ˈsi-mē-ən 

: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

simian

2 of 2

noun

: monkey, ape

also : any of a suborder (Anthropoidea) of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans

Did you know?

The Latin word for "ape" is simia, which itself comes from simus, "snub-nosed". Simian is usually a scientific word; thus, for instance, biologists study simian viruses in the search for cures to AIDS and other diseases. But simian can be used by the rest of us to describe human behavior. Human babies often cling to their mothers in a simian way, and kids playing on a jungle gym may look like simians. But if you notice that a friend has a simian style of walking or eating bananas, it might be best not to tell him.

Examples of simian in a Sentence

Adjective

a study of simian viruses

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Indeed, Gracey relied on the same Weta FX artists who worked on those simian epics, with Jonno Davies wearing Andy Serkis’ motion-capture suit (Williams voices the part himself). —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2024

The latest simian saga in the Planet of the Apes film franchise is set to ride onto Hulu next month. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 July 2024

Noun

Even the offices are lively these days, with a life-size Planet Apes simian, adorned with cool shades, greeting visitors and a handsome wood-and-glass case being built to house the division’s many historical Oscars. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024

Where to watch: Prime Video 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Will humans and simians ever get along? —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin simia ape, from simus snub-nosed, from Greek simos

First Known Use

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing simian

• simian immunodeficiency virus

Kids Definition

simian

1 of 2 adjective

sim·​i·​an ˈsim-ē-ən 

: of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

simian

2 of 2 noun

: monkey entry 1 sense 1, ape entry 1 sense 1