spider monkey

noun

1. any of several tropical American monkeys of the genus Ateles, having a slender body, long, slender limbs, and a long, prehensile tail: some are endangered.

spider monkey

noun

1. any of several arboreal New World monkeys of the genus Ateles, of Central and South America, having very long legs, a long prehensile tail, and a small head
2. woolly spider monkey
   a rare related monkey, Brachyteles arachnoides, of SE Brazil

Word History and Origins

Origin of spider monkey¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Word History and Origins

Origin of spider monkey¹

C18: so called because its long limbs resemble the legs of a spider

Example Sentences

She studied zoology in college and did fieldwork with spider monkeys in Costa Rica.

From Washington Post

He owes his popular designation of the Spider Monkey to his long slender limbs and sprawling gestures.

From Project Gutenberg

When a spider-monkey is shot as it sits in a tree, it always coils its tail round a branch at once.

From Project Gutenberg

To a howler, or spider-monkey, its long tail is a swing and a trapeze in its forest gymnasium.

From Project Gutenberg

Though there were some dissentient voices, the majority were in favour of the spider-monkey.

From Project Gutenberg

The tip of its tail, strange to say, is prehensile, just like that of a spider-monkey.

From Project Gutenberg