Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪbən] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "gibbon" is with two b's. It is pronounced /ˈɡɪbən/, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA transcription shows that the first consonant is a voiced velar stop, /ɡ/, followed by a short /ɪ/ vowel sound. The second syllable has the schwa sound, /ə/, while the final consonant is a voiced bilabial nasal, /n/. Gibbons are small apes found in Southeast Asia, known for their long arms and vocal abilities.
A gibbon is a type of small to medium-sized ape belonging to the family Hylobatidae, native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Gibbons are unique primates known for their agility, arboreal lifestyle, and characteristic long arms, which are used for swinging and brachiation through the trees.
Generally, gibbons have a slender body structure, covered in dense fur that can vary in color from black to various shades of brown, gray, or white, depending on the species. They possess a hairless face surrounded by prominent eyebrows, and their arms are notably longer than their legs. The average gibbon may reach heights of 17 to 35 inches (43 to 90 cm) and weigh between 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11 kg).
Gibbons are highly acrobatic and are considered the masters of brachiation, using their arms to swing between branches at high speeds, covering impressive distances with ease. They are diurnal animals, primarily vegetarian, with a diet consisting of fruits, leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects. Known for their vocalization abilities, gibbons produce loud, melodic songs, which are used for communication, territorial marking, and forming strong pair bonds.
Due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and the pet trade, many gibbon species are classified as endangered or critically endangered. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and working to combat illegal trade. The study of gibbons and their behavior is crucial for understanding primate evolution and the preservation of biodiversity in tropical forests.
An ape of the E. India Islands, remarkable for the length of its arms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "gibbon" is believed to have originated from the French word "gibbon", which was adopted from Dutch "gibbon" or "gibben". The Dutch word, in turn, is thought to have been derived from Javanese "wuwuk gibbon", where "wuwuk" meant "ape" or "monkey". This Javanese term is believed to have been influenced by the local indigenous word for gibbon.
