Monkey
/ˈmʌŋ.ki/noun
A member of a primate group characterized by long limbs and a prehensile tail, typically found in tropical regions.
Did you know?The word 'monkey' is thought to derive from a character in a popular 16th-century fable, linking it to themes of trickery and deception in folklore.
Etymological Timeline
Middle French
French
monqui
“A term used to denote a type of ape, possibly derived from a character in a fable.”
16th Century
English
monkey
“Adopted from French, referring to various small apes and playful behavior.”
Old High German
germ
mankō
“A term for a type of monkey or ape, showcasing the shared roots in describing similar creatures.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*menk-
“To turn, to mimic; reflecting the playful and imitative nature of monkeys.”
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