- a terrestrial, largely vegetarian great ape of the genus Gorilla, inhabiting central African forests: possessing great upper body strength, with arms longer and more muscular than its legs, it is noted for its knuckle-walking and is larger than any other living primate.
- an ugly, brutish person.
- a hoodlum or thug, especially one who threatens or inflicts violence: Like any mob boss, he sent his gorillas to do the dirty work.
- (used as a slur against a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, especially a Black person.)
- the largest anthropoid ape, Gorilla gorilla, inhabiting the forests of central W Africa. It is stocky and massive, with a short muzzle and coarse dark hair
- a large, strong, and brutal-looking man
