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The Ultimate List: 11 Surprising Names For What A Group Of Monkeys Is Called

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As of December 2025, the most widely accepted and formal collective noun for a group of monkeys is a "troop." This term is used by zoologists and conservationists to describe the highly structured social units in which most monkey species live in the wild. However, the world of collective nouns is full of whimsy and historical oddities, and monkeys are no exception, boasting a surprising list of alternative—and often hilarious—names that reflect their chaotic, intelligent, and social nature. If you’ve ever wondered what to call that rambunctious gathering of primates swinging through the canopy, the answer is far more complex than a single word. From the serious to the silly, the terms used to describe a group of monkeys tell a fascinating story about their complex social organization and the human perception of their antics.

The Definitive Collective Noun: Why "Troop" is the Standard

The collective noun "troop" is the official and most common term for a group of monkeys. This name is not random; it is deeply rooted in the social structure and behavior of most monkey species.

Understanding the Primate Social Structure

The term "troop" is used to describe a group of monkeys because these animals are highly social and organized. Unlike a mere collection of individuals, a troop functions as a cohesive unit with a clear social hierarchy, much like a military troop. * Hierarchy and Leadership: Most monkey troops, especially those of Old World monkeys like baboons and macaques, are led by an alpha male or a complex matrilineal hierarchy (a dominance structure based on female lineage). * Cooperation: The members of a troop work together for mutual protection, foraging, and raising their young. This cooperative behavior and defined social organization are what make "troop" the most accurate and descriptive term for their collective unit. * Size: A troop can vary dramatically in size, from a small family unit of a dozen individuals to massive gatherings of several hundred, depending on the species and environment.

Beyond the Troop: 10 Alternative and Humorous Collective Nouns

While "troop" is the scientific standard, English is rich with delightful, less formal collective nouns that are often used in literature, conversation, or simply for fun. These alternative names often capture the playful, chaotic, or even mysterious aspects of monkey behavior. Here are the most notable alternatives for a collective of monkeys:
  1. A Barrel of Monkeys: This is arguably the most famous and widely recognized alternative. It is an idiom that means "a lot of fun" or "a chaotic but amusing situation." The term is thought to originate from the popular toy game, but it also perfectly captures the image of a group of energetic, tumbling, and playful primates.
  2. A Tribe of Monkeys: Used interchangeably with "troop," the term "tribe" emphasizes the familial and communal nature of the group, suggesting a shared ancestry and territory.
  3. A Band of Monkeys: This term is often used for smaller, more mobile groups of monkeys, such as some New World monkeys, where the emphasis is on a close-knit unit traveling together.
  4. A Cartload of Monkeys: Similar to "barrel," this is a humorous term that evokes the image of a large, perhaps unruly, number of monkeys stuffed into a container, highlighting their sheer volume and boisterousness.
  5. A Carload of Monkeys: A modern variation of "cartload," carrying the same connotation of a crowded, lively, and entertaining group.
  6. A Mission of Monkeys: This is a rare and more poetic term, possibly referring to the focused foraging or traveling "mission" a troop undertakes each day.
  7. A Wilderness of Monkeys: A beautifully descriptive term that suggests a large, sprawling group spread across a vast, natural habitat, emphasizing their wild and numerous presence.

The Oddities: Collective Nouns for Specific Monkey Species

While most monkey species default to being called a "troop," certain species, particularly the large and highly social baboons, have acquired their own unique and bizarre collective nouns. These terms add significant topical authority and depth to the subject of primate collective nouns.

The Baboon's Bizarre Collective Nouns

Baboons (a type of Old World monkey) are known for their large, complex, and highly hierarchical troops. Their collective nouns are some of the most unusual in the animal kingdom:
  • A Congress of Baboons: This term is thought to refer to the intense social politics and complex communication that occur within a large baboon group. The group's decision-making process can be seen as a "congress" of different individuals vying for position.
  • A Flange of Baboons: This is one of the most obscure and fascinating terms. Its use was popularized, and possibly invented, by the British sketch comedy show *Not the Nine O'Clock News* in the 1980s. While not scientifically recognized, it has entered popular culture and is sometimes cited in lists of unusual collective nouns.
  • A Rumpus of Baboons: Given the loud, boisterous, and sometimes aggressive interactions within a baboon troop, a "rumpus" (a noisy disturbance) is a highly fitting, if informal, description.

Collective Nouns for Other Notable Species

For many other species, the standard "troop" is the correct and accepted term, but listing the species themselves adds critical entity coverage: * A Troop of Capuchin Monkeys: These highly intelligent New World monkeys, often recognized as the "organ grinder" monkeys, live in multi-male, multi-female groups that are correctly called a troop. * A Troop of Howler Monkeys: Known for their incredibly loud vocalizations (genus *Alouatta*), their social groups are consistently referred to as a troop, typically consisting of a few males and several females. * A Troop of Squirrel Monkeys: These small, energetic primates also adhere to the "troop" designation, often forming large groups that forage and travel together. * A Troop of Marmosets: Despite their small size, marmosets (*Callithrix*) are highly social and live in family units that are collectively known as a troop. * A Troop of Macaques, Colobus, and Langurs: These are all examples of Old World monkeys whose large, cohesive social units are universally referred to as a troop. In conclusion, while the official answer to "what is a group of monkeys called" remains a troop, the variety of terms—from the humorous "barrel" to the peculiar "flange"—highlights the rich history of the English language and the captivating, multi-faceted nature of our primate cousins.
The Ultimate List: 11 Surprising Names for What a Group of Monkeys is Called
what is a group of monkeys called
what is a group of monkeys called

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