gorilla — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An ape of the genus Gorilla; endemic to the forests of Central Africa and typified by superlative physical size and strength in relation to other primates.

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   In three of these twenty gorillæ 14 ribs are present, and the additional rib in each of them is below. […] The conclusion that the usual place of commencement of the dorsal type in the gorilla is between the 12th and 13th dorsal vertebræ is founded on notes taken of this character in 13 of these gorillæ.

   “They are wicked people—neither white like you nor black like me, but covered with hair as is Bolgani, the gorilla. Yes, they are very bad people indeed, and Chowambi was glad to get out of their country.”

2. A big and brutish man or a thug; a goon or ruffian.

   Examples

   "I'll do the old gorilla the justice to say that he is open-handed with money."

   More examples (1)

   "Don't fool yourself," I said. "I could have slugged this pair of amateur gorillas any hour of the day or night. I've not done it because you've got nothing against them other than their being a pair of dim-witted nuisances."

   I remember being crushed by gorillas on the rugby field[.]

3. A powerful person or organization; a heavyweight or behemoth.

   Usage

   • Informal

   Examples

   The two industry gorillas — IBM and AT&T — will get together to decide who will provide different communications services, Biddle stated.

4. 1000 pounds sterling or dollar.

   Usage

   • Australia
   • UK usage
   • Slang

Noun

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

   Synonyms

   Gorilla gorilla

   Broader terms

   great apepongid