Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˌɪmpɐnzˈiː] (IPA) 
The word "chimpanzee" is spelled as /tʃɪmˈpænzɪ/. The first sound /tʃ/ is a combination of the sounds /t/ and /ʃ/. The second sound /ɪ/ is pronounced as a short vowel sound. The third sound /m/ is a nasal consonant that is pronounced by buzzing the lips. The fourth sound /p/ is a plosive consonant that is pronounced by briefly stopping the airflow. The last sound /zɪ/ is a combination of the /z/ sound and the short vowel /ɪ/.
A chimpanzee is a highly intelligent and social primate that belongs to the Hominidae family, which also includes humans, gorillas, and orangutans. Scientifically known as Pan troglodytes, chimpanzees are native to the tropical forests and savannas of Central and West Africa. They have a distinct appearance, with robust bodies covered in coarse hair that ranges in color from light brown to black, and a hairless face with prominently protruding lips. Chimpanzees possess long and powerful arms, allowing them to effortlessly swing from branch to branch in the trees.
Renowned for their cognitive abilities, chimpanzees are considered one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing an astonishingly high percentage of their DNA with our species. They exhibit complex behaviors, including tool use in order to access food sources, like using sticks to extract termites from mounds. Chimpanzees also display remarkable problem-solving skills, exhibit self-awareness, and are capable of learning and imitating behaviors.
Chimpanzees are social animals, living in communities called troops that number from 15 to 80 individuals. Within these troops, they engage in complex social interactions, cooperate during hunting and territorial defense, and have a hierarchical structure led by an alpha male. Communication among chimpanzees primarily involves vocalizations, body signals, and facial expressions, allowing them to convey messages and establish social bonds.
Due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the illegal pet trade, chimpanzees face significant threats, figuring as an endangered species. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their natural habitats and reintroduce captive individuals into the wild.
One of the higher apes of Africa.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word chimpanzee comes from the Tshiluba language, which is spoken in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this language, the word kivili-chimpenze refers to a kind of monkey. The term was later borrowed into English, and over time, it evolved into chimpanzee.
