orangutan

noun

orang·​u·​tan ə-ˈraŋ-ə-ˌtaŋ 

-ˈraŋ-gə-,

-ˌtan 

: any of several largely herbivorous arboreal anthropoid apes (Pongo pygmaeus, P. abelii, and P. tapanuliensis) of Borneo and Sumatra that are about ²/₃ as large as the gorilla and have brown skin, long sparse reddish-brown hair, and very long arms

Illustration of orangutan

Examples of orangutan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The only species that rivals this bond is the orangutan. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025

After the Smithsonian’s National Zoo lost three giant pandas in November 2023 following the expiration of their lease, Nguyen continued to frequent the zoo, visiting its sea lions and orangutans, instead. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025

Animals like giant pandas, Asian elephants and orangutans were transferred to Whipsnade Zoo, nestled in the countryside. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Scientists have known for decades that people and other social mammals such as dogs, horses, and orangutans perform RFM as a crucial part of social bonding. —Bychrista Lesté-Lasserre, science.org, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Bazaar Malay (Malay-based pidgin), from Malay orang man + hutan forest

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

orangutan

noun

orang·​utan

ə-ˈraŋ-ə-ˌtaŋ,

-ˌtan

: a large anthropoid ape of Borneo and Sumatra that is about ⅔ as large as a gorilla, eats mostly plants, lives in trees, and has very long arms, long thin reddish brown hair, and a nearly hairless face