squirrel monkey

noun

1. either of two small, long-tailed monkeys, Saimiri oerstedii of Central America and S. sciureus of South America, having a small white face with black muzzle and gold, brown, or greenish fur: S. oerstedii is endangered.

squirrel monkey

noun

1. a small New World monkey, Saimiri sciureus , of N South American forests, having a yellowish-green coat and orange feet and limbs
2. red-backed squirrel monkey
   a related species, Saimiri oerstedi , of Central America, having a reddish coat and dark brown limbs

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirrel monkey¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirrel monkey¹

C18: so called because it is small and tree-dwelling

Example Sentences

A man has appeared before a French judge on suspicion of stealing 14 endangered squirrel monkeys from a zoo.

From BBC

Estrildid finch songs, Japanese quail calls, squirrel monkey caws and even the ultrasonic vocalizations of house mice were used for comparison in the study.

From Salon

And over in Monkey Village, tiny squirrel monkeys pulled frozen treats out of buckets.

From Reuters

Only a handful of other species have been shown to change their calls when addressing young, including zebra finches, rhesus macaques, and squirrel monkeys.

From National Geographic

Safety tests of AEF0117 in animals, including mice, rats and dogs, showed no adverse effects or toxicity, and trials in rodents and squirrel monkeys inhibited cannabis effects and THC-seeking behavior.

From Scientific American