What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chimpanzee
Example
Jane Goodall has spent decades studying the behavior of chimpanzees in the wild. [chimpanzees: plural noun]
Example
The chimpanzee swung from branch to branch with agility and grace. [chimpanzee: singular noun]
chimp
Example
Look at that cute chimp playing with its toys! [chimp: noun]
Example
I saw a documentary about chimps living in the rainforest. [chimps: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chimpanzee is more commonly used than chimp in formal writing or scientific discussions. It is the standard term when referring to this species of primates.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chimpanzee and chimp?
While chimp is informal and used in everyday conversations, chimpanzee is more formal and commonly used in scientific or academic contexts.
