monkey
|mon/key|
B1
/ˈmʌŋ.ki/
playful primate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'monkey' originates from Middle Low German, specifically the word 'monneke', where 'monne' meant 'monk' and '-ke' was a diminutive suffix.
Historical Evolution
'monneke' transformed into the Old French word 'monne', and eventually became the modern English word 'monkey' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small monk', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small primate'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small to medium-sized primate that typically has a long tail, most kinds of which live in trees in tropical countries.
The monkey swung from branch to branch.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35