monkey

Definition

  • noun: a type of animal that is closely related to apes and humans and that has a long tail and usually lives in trees
  • noun: a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers
  • verb: to act in a grotesque or mischievous manner
  • often used in the phrase 'monkey on one's back'
  • synonyms: mimic, ape, simian

Examples

  • The storm 'threw a monkey wrench into' their plans for a picnic. [=the storm ruined their plans for a picnic]

  • After many years of disappointment, she finally 'got the monkey off her back' by winning the championship.

  • Our teacher warned us not to try any 'monkey business' while she was out of the room.

Movie quotes

  • (..) and slept and slept, like she hadn't slept in years. It was wonderful having her home. Every day we'd take a walk, and I'd jabber on like a monkey in a tree, and she'd listen about ping-ponging and shrimping and Mama making a trip up to heaven. I did all the talking. Jenny most of the time (..)
    1994 Forrest Gump