Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, powerful, primarily herbivorous ape native to the forests of central Africa: A gorilla is the largest living primate, characterized by its robust build, large size, dark hair, and a broad chest and shoulders. It is a ground-dwelling, social animal that lives in groups called troops.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mountain gorilla is an endangered species.
  • We observed a family of gorillas foraging in the forest.
  • The silverback gorilla is the dominant male leader of the troop.

Advanced Usage

• "Gorilla" as a metaphor for strength or intimidation: In informal contexts, "gorilla" can be used to describe a person who is very large, strong, or intimidating, often in a physical or forceful manner.
  • He's built like a gorilla and plays defensive tackle for the team.
  • The company is the 800-pound gorilla in the industry, dominating all its competitors.

Variants and Related Words

• Gorilla-like (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a gorilla.
  • He has a gorilla-like strength.

Synonyms

• Ape: A broader term for primates including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.
• Primate: The biological order to which gorillas belong.
• Silverback: Specifically refers to an adult male gorilla, distinguished by the patch of silver hair on its back.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "800-pound gorilla": An idiom referring to a person, group, or problem that is overwhelmingly large, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
  • The issue of climate change is the 800-pound gorilla in the room during the policy discussions.

Noun

1. largest anthropoid ape; terrestrial and vegetarian; of forests of central west Africa