What does anthropoid mean?
An anthropoid is a member of the group of tailless primates known as the apes, encompassing gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and — depending on the classification used — humans themselves. The term derives from Greek roots meaning 'human-shaped,' reflecting the long-standing recognition that these animals strikingly resemble people in form and posture. In scientific contexts, anthropoid can also refer more broadly to all simians, including monkeys, distinguishing them from lower primates such as lemurs. As an adjective, the word describes anything that resembles a human in appearance. Although once central to zoological vocabulary, especially in the phrase 'anthropoid ape,' the term now sounds somewhat formal or old-fashioned in general conversation, having largely given way to words like 'ape' or 'primate.' It remains valuable, however, in evolutionary biology, physical anthropology, and popular science writing about human origins.
An ape; a tailless primate of the group including gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and sometimes humans.
"Chimpanzees are among the most intensively studied of all the anthropoids."
In technical primatology, 'anthropoid' may extend to all monkeys and apes (the suborder Anthropoidea), so check the context when precision matters.
Resembling a human being in form or appearance.
"The fossil skull had a distinctly anthropoid cast to it."
Standard plural; used both for individual apes and, in taxonomy, for members of the broader simian group.
"The sanctuary cares for several rescued anthropoids, including two orangutans."
The word literally means 'man-like' — which is why for centuries scientists used it as the formal label for the great apes, our closest living relatives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anthropoid
Anthropoid comes from the Greek 'anthrōpos' meaning 'human being' combined with '-oeidēs' meaning 'having the form of,' so the word literally signifies 'man-like.' It entered English in the early nineteenth century through scientific Latin, as naturalists sought a precise label for the apes whose anatomy so closely mirrored our own. The same Greek root gives rise to a whole family of words, including anthropology, anthropomorphic, and philanthropy.
How anthropoid is actually used
In modern primatology, 'anthropoid' often refers broadly to simians (monkeys and apes) as opposed to prosimians, so its scope varies by context; in everyday use it most commonly evokes the great apes. The word carries a scholarly, somewhat dated tone outside scientific writing.
Easily confused with anthropoid
Anthropomorphic describes giving human traits to non-human things, while anthropoid refers to an actual ape or something shaped like a human.
An android is a robot resembling a human, whereas an anthropoid is a biological ape or primate.