macaque

noun

ma·​caque mə-ˈkak How to pronounce macaque (audio) -ˈkäk How to pronounce macaque (audio)
: any of a genus (Macaca) of chiefly Asian monkeys typically having a sturdy build and including some short-tailed or tailless forms
especially : rhesus monkey

Illustration of macaque

Illustration of macaque

Examples of macaque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zookeepers nursed him and gave him the toy to develop his gripping ability, something newborn macaques need to survive. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 The monkeys were likely both refugees from the booming population of rhesus macaques widespread in Silver Springs State Park, which is roughly 50 miles away, and surrounding areas. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026 Lopburi has long been known for its large population of free-roaming macaques. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 Gibraltarian macaques are eating dirt to help digest junk food. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for macaque

Word History

Etymology

French, from Portuguese macaco, from kaku mangabey, plural makaku, in one or more Bantu languages of Gabon and Congo

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macaque was in 1757

Phrases Containing macaque

Rhymes for macaque

See All Rhymes for macaque

Browse Nearby Words

Macapagal-Arroyo
macaque
macaranduba
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Cite this Entry

“Macaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macaque. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

macaque

noun
ma·​caque mə-ˈkak How to pronounce macaque (audio) -ˈkäk How to pronounce macaque (audio)
: any of various monkeys mostly from Asia that includes some with either short or no tails
especially : rhesus monkey
Etymology

French, from Portuguese macaco, from makaku, plural of kaku, name for an African monkey in one or more Bantu languages of Gabon and Congo

Medical Definition

macaque

noun
ma·​caque mə-ˈkak How to pronounce macaque (audio) -ˈkäk How to pronounce macaque (audio)
: any of numerous short-tailed Old World monkeys of the genus Macaca and related genera chiefly of southern Asia
especially : rhesus monkey

More from Merriam-Webster on macaque

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macaque

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