What does hominoid mean?
A hominoid is a member of the primate superfamily Hominoidea, the group that contains humans, apes, and gibbons. Because humans belong to this group, the term also provides a convenient biological way of discussing the evolutionary relationship between people and other apes. The adjective “hominoid” describes features, forms, or relationships connected with these primates. In scientific writing, “hominoid” should be distinguished from “hominid”: a hominid belongs to the narrower family Hominidae, comprising humans and the great apes, while a hominoid also includes gibbons. Outside taxonomy, the word may describe something whose form resembles a human or another member of this group. Although it is sometimes treated as an unfamiliar synonym for “ape,” that everyday use can obscure the fact that humans are themselves hominoids. The word is consequently most useful in discussions of primate anatomy, evolution, and classification.
A primate belonging to the superfamily Hominoidea, including humans, apes, and gibbons.
"Gibbons are the most widely distributed living hominoids."
The term is primarily used in biological and evolutionary classification.
Relating to or resembling a hominoid.
"Researchers compared the fossil's hominoid skull with those of living apes."
As an adjective, it may refer either to features of the hominoid group or to resemblance to one.
The plural is used when referring to several members of the Hominoidea.
"Early hominoids evolved different forms of locomotion and social behavior."
A hominoid includes us: humans and our living ape relatives share a superfamily.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hominoid
The word comes through New Latin taxonomic usage from Hominoidea, formed from Latin homo, meaning “man,” together with Greek-derived elements associated with form or likeness. It entered English in the 19th century as zoological terminology. Related English words include “hominid,” “human,” and “humanoid,” all reflecting the same Latin root for a human being or that which resembles one.
How hominoid is actually used
In modern biological classification, “hominoid” refers to members of the superfamily Hominoidea. The older term “anthropoid” has a different taxonomic range and should not be treated as an exact synonym.
Easily confused with hominoid
A hominid belongs to the family Hominidae, including humans and the great apes, whereas a hominoid belongs to the broader superfamily Hominoidea, which also includes gibbons.