English Reference

Word

lemurs

US/ˈɫimɝz/

UK/lˈiːməz/

Countable noun

Definition

n. small primates from Madagascar with big eyes and long tails. You often see them in zoos because they are active and social.

n. small arboreal primates endemic to Madagascar, characterized by large eyes, pointed muzzles, and long tails. Most species are highly social, living in groups with complex vocal and scent-based communication.

Examples

“Lemurs live in groups and love to climb trees.”

“The children watch the lemurs jump between branches at the zoo.”

“At dusk the lemurs call to each other across the forest while researchers track their movements to study social bonds.”

Examples

simple

“Lemurs live in groups and love to climb trees.”

contextual

“The children watch the lemurs jump between branches at the zoo.”

complex

“At dusk the lemurs call to each other across the forest while researchers track their movements to study social bonds.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lemurs” in context.

Verb

01. feed lemurs

“Keepers feed lemurs fruit and leaves twice a day.”

verb + noun

02. lemurs climb

“Lemurs climb trees using their strong hands and feet.”

noun + verb

03. lemurs huddle

“Lemurs huddle together to keep warm at night.”

noun + verb

04. lemurs leap

“Lemurs leap quickly from branch to branch.”

noun + verb

05. look at lemurs

“We stopped to look at lemurs sunbathing on the rocks.”

verb + prep + noun

06. observe lemurs

“Visitors can observe lemurs jumping between the trees.”

verb + noun

Adjective

07. endangered lemurs

“Endangered lemurs need protected forests to survive.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. group of lemurs

“A group of lemurs gathered near the river to drink.”

noun + prep + noun

09. habitat of lemurs

“Deforestation is destroying the natural habitat of lemurs.”

noun + prep + noun

10. a troop of lemurs

“A troop of lemurs crossed the path in front of us.”

11. feed lemurs at the zoo

“Children love to feed lemurs at the zoo on weekends.”

12. lemurs are native to madagascar

“Lemurs are native to Madagascar and live nowhere else.”

Real-World Examples

“In the dense forests ‌of northeastern Madagascar, where thick vegetation can block visual contact beyond a few metres, lemurs called indris rely on haunting songs to communicate.”
Reuters 21 Sept 2026
“Scientists have found singing lemurs, known as indris, and opera singers use similar mouth shapes to create loud, high-pitched calls.”
The New York Times 21 Sept 2026
“For example, 98 percent of lemurs, primates that only exist in Madagascar, are threatened.”
The New York Times 9 Dec 2022

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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