# orangutan

/ɔˈɹæŋətæn/ (US) · /ˈɔːɹɐŋɡjˌuːtən/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/orangutan
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a large, reddish-brown ape that lives in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. They are known for being very smart and for spending a lot of time in trees.

For teachers: a large, long-limbed, reddish-brown arboreal ape native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The name is derived from the Malay words for 'person of the forest'.

## Examples

- The orangutan spent the whole day swinging through the trees.
- Conservationists are working hard to protect the orangutan's habitat from the destruction caused by illegal logging.
- Unlike many other primates, the orangutan is primarily a solitary creature, with adult males often maintaining large home ranges that they defend from other males for years at a time.

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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.