bonobo

[ buh-noh-boh ]

noun

, plural bo·no·bos.

1. a small chimpanzee, Pan paniscus, primarily of swamp forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, having long legs, black face, pink lips, and parted hair on its head: an endangered species.

bonobo

/ ˈbɒnəbəʊ /

noun

1. an anthropoid ape, Pan paniscus , of central W Africa: similar to the chimpanzee but much smaller and having a black face Also calledpygmy chimpanzee

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonobo¹

First recorded in 1950–55; origin uncertain; probably from a Bantu language spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonobo¹

C20: from W African language

Example Sentences

Female dolphins, chimps and bonobos are also known to use tools more than their male counterparts, probably for the same reasons.

From Science Daily

"They are as different from each other as chimpanzees are from bonobos," said senior author Chris Witt at the University of New Mexico.

From Science Daily

Gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos swallow certain rough leaves whole to get rid of stomach parasites.

From Seattle Times

The reputation of bonobos as “hippie chimps” who live more peaceably than their cousins the chimpanzees is challenged by a new study.

From Science Magazine

"The idea is not to invalidate the image of bonobos being peaceful -- the idea is that there is a lot more complexity in both species."

From Science Daily