'monkey-like' originates from English, specifically the combination of 'monkey' and the suffix '-like', where 'monkey' meant 'a small to medium-sized primate' and '-like' meant 'having the characteristics of'.

'monkey' appeared in early 16th-century English as 'monkie' (possibly from the name 'Moneke' in a medieval tale); the suffix '-like' derives from Old English 'lic' meaning 'form' or 'appearance' and developed into the Middle English suffix '-like', producing compounds such as 'child-like' and later 'monkey-like'.

Initially it meant 'having the form or qualities of a monkey'; that core sense has largely remained, though it has also extended to figurative meanings like 'mischievous' or 'nimble'.