gibbon (definition)

Gib"bon (?), n. [Cf. F. gibbon.] Zool.

Any arboreal ape of the genus Hylobates, of which many species and varieties inhabit the East Indies and Southern Asia. They are tailless and without cheek pouches, and have very long arms, adapted for climbing.

<-- common subtypes --> ⇒ The white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar), the crowned (H. pilatus), the wou-wou or singing gibbon (H. agilis), the siamang, and the hoolock. are the most common species.

© Webster 1913.