While many animals have specific terms for their young, the nomenclature for primates is straightforward. Young monkeys are classified using general developmental terminology, focusing on the animal’s life stage rather than a unique noun. The naming conventions for these highly social animals extend beyond the infant to include the group as a whole.
The Specific Terminology for Infant Monkeys
The most scientifically accurate term for a baby monkey is an “infant monkey.” Because monkeys are primates, the word “infant” is the standard term used to denote the developmental stage from birth until the animal is weaned and becomes more independent. In species like the rhesus macaque, this infancy period lasts for the first 12 months of life, a time of intense maternal dependence.
This phase of life is followed by the “juvenile” stage, which is the period between weaning and sexual maturity, often lasting up to three years in many species. During this juvenile period, the young monkey is still highly reliant on social learning from the adult members of its group. While the terms “pup” or “kid” are occasionally used informally, “infant” is the precise term used by researchers studying their early development.
Group and Adult Monkey Names
While the young are called infants, the collective noun for a group of monkeys is most commonly a “troop.” This term is widely accepted across many different monkey species and highlights their communal and social structure. Other collective nouns sometimes used include a “barrel,” “cartload,” or a “tribe.”
Specific terms for adult monkeys are much less common than those for other animals. Adult monkeys are generally referred to as simply “male” or “female” monkeys, often focusing on their role within the social hierarchy, such as an “alpha male.” The differences between adult males and females, known as sexual dimorphism, can be seen in size, canine tooth length, and facial features, depending on the species.
What About Baby Apes and Lemurs
The general terminology for young animals extends consistently across the broader primate order, including apes and lemurs. The young of apes, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, are also referred to as “infants” or “baby apes.” This consistency reinforces the shared developmental characteristics across the primate lineage.
Similarly, the young of lemurs, which are prosimians found only in Madagascar, are called “infants” or “baby lemurs.” While a group of lemurs is sometimes referred to as a “conspiracy,” the term for their young remains simple and descriptive.