Words / A1

g-uh-RIL-uh/ɡəˈrɪlə/

A gorilla is a very large strong African animal, like a huge ape. It lives in forests and eats plants. Countable: a gorilla, gorillas. A monkey is smaller and often has a long tail; a gorilla is much bigger and has no long tail. Not guerrilla (a fighter) — same sound, different spelling and meaning.

Meaning

A very large strong African animal like a huge ape.

Examples

• “The gorilla is eating fruit in the zoo.”
• “The gorilla sat with its baby.”
• “Do not tap the glass by the gorilla.”

Good to know

a gorilla (large ape, Africa). Contrast: monkey (smaller, tail). Mix-up: guerrilla.

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