noun
gorilla
guh-RIL-uh/ɡəˈrɪlə/
A large, heavily built African ape.
The gorilla rests on its knuckles, showing broad shoulders and a silver back.
Etymology
The Greek name described wild, hairy beings in Hanno’s voyage account, now thought to have been chimpanzees. It was later applied to the large African ape; an African origin for the name is alleged.
In context
it's kind of like watching a gorilla rattle in its cage so it's not a good idea to show your temper
More examples
- The gorilla pulls leaves from a branch and eats them.
- Young gorillas chase each other through the grass.
- Researchers study how gorillas communicate within their groups.
Forms
gorilla · gorillas
Similar words
- ape
- A broader term that also includes chimpanzees and orangutans.
- silverback
- Specifically an adult male gorilla with a silver back.