great ape

[ greyt eyp ]

noun

1. any extant or extinct member of the family Hominidae, or hominids: its extant species include humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.

great ape

noun

1. any of the larger anthropoid apes, such as the chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gorilla

great ape

/ grāt /

1. See anthropoid ape

Word History and Origins

Origin of great ape¹

First recorded in 1770–75

Example Sentences

Measuring the heart rate of great apes in captivity is essential for both health management and animal studies.

From Science Daily

The closest relatives to humans, the great apes, are known to ingest specific plants to treat parasite infection and to rub plant material on their skin to treat sore muscles.

From Science Daily

Like other great apes, orangutans have many humanlike habits: They use tools, put roofs over their nests, and even build umbrellas.

From Science Magazine

Previous research has documented several species of great apes foraging for medicines in forests to heal themselves, but scientists hadn’t yet seen an animal treat itself in this way.

From Seattle Times

Scientists say the behaviour could come from a common ancestor shared by humans and great apes.

From BBC