monkeys
|mon-key|
🇺🇸
/ˈmʌŋkiz/
🇬🇧
/ˈmʌŋkɪz/
(monkey)
playful primate
Etymology
'monkey' originates from Middle English and probably Middle Low German influences; an early form appears as 'monke' or 'monike', and it may be linked to a proper name 'Moneke' used in medieval stories.
'monkey' changed from Middle Low German/ Middle English forms such as 'monike' or 'moneke' and eventually became the modern English word 'monkey'.
Initially associated with a name or a character in stories and early references to young apes, it evolved to mean the animal 'monkey' and later developed figurative senses like 'mischievous person' and the verb senses 'to tamper' or 'to play around'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'monkey': more than one primate of the family commonly called monkeys.
The monkeys were swinging from branch to branch in the trees.
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Noun 2
informal: lively or mischievous people, especially children (used figuratively).
The two little monkeys kept running around the classroom.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'monkey' (to monkey): to tamper with or make small, perhaps clumsy, adjustments to something.
He often monkeys with the old radio until he gets it working.
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Verb 2
third-person singular of 'monkey around': to waste time or behave foolishly rather than do useful work.
She monkeys around during meetings instead of taking notes.
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Last updated: 2026/01/17 12:22