Words / A1

chimp-an-ZEE/ˌtʃɪmpænˈziː/

A chimpanzee is a clever African ape, smaller than a gorilla, that lives in trees and uses its hands. Countable: a chimpanzee, chimpanzees. Informal: chimp. A monkey often has a long tail; a chimpanzee has no long tail. A gorilla is much larger. Mix-up: champagne (a drink) — similar start, different word.

Meaning

A clever African ape, smaller than a gorilla, that lives in trees.

Examples

• “The chimpanzee is eating a banana.”
• “The chimpanzee used a stick to get the food.”
• “Chimpanzees live in family groups.”

Good to know

a chimpanzee / a chimp. Contrast: monkey (tail), gorilla (larger). Mix-up: champagne.

Near in meaning

chimp

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