# Gibbons

/ˈɡɪbɪnz/ (US) · /ɡˈɪbənz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gibbons
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

small, long-armed apes that live in the trees of Southeast Asia. They are famous for their loud songs and for swinging quickly from branch to branch.

For teachers: small, arboreal apes belonging to the family Hylobatidae, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Characterised by their long arms and ability to move through trees using brachiation.

## Examples

- The gibbons swung through the trees with incredible speed.
- Visitors to the rainforest can often hear the loud, melodic calls of gibbons echoing through the canopy at dawn.
- Unlike the great apes, gibbons are smaller and do not build nests, yet they share the characteristic lack of a tail and high cognitive abilities found in other hominoids.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'gibbon'; refers to the group of primates or multiple individuals of the species.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.