n.
Pronunciation: ' m ə ŋ -k ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural monkeys
Etymology: probably of Low German origin; akin to Moneke, name of an ape, probably of Romance origin; akin to Old Spanish mona monkey
Date: circa 1530
1 : a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers especially : any of the smaller longer-tailed catarrhine or platyrrhine primates as contrasted with the apes
2 a : a person resembling a monkey b : a ludicrous figure : DUPE
3 : any of various machines, implements, or vessels especially : the falling weight of a pile driver
4 : a desperate desire for or addiction to drugs ― often used in the phrase monkey on one's back broadly : a persistent or annoying encumbrance or problem