Silverback - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A silverback is a mature male gorilla, typically over 12 years old, distinguished by the silver-gray hair on its back. It leads and protects the gorilla group.
Definition:
A mature male gorilla with gray or silver hair on its back, leading a group.
Synonyms:
alpha male, dominant gorilla, leader
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
juvenile, female gorilla
Common Collocations:
dominant silverback, silverback gorilla, protect the group, lead the troop
Derivatives:
silverbacks (plural)
Usage Tips:
Use "silverback" to refer specifically to the dominant male in a gorilla group, not just any adult male gorilla.
Common Phrases:
king of the jungle, leader of the pack, alpha of the troop
Etymology:
Derived from "silver" (referring to the gray hair) + "back" (the area where it appears).
Examples:
- 1. The silverback protects his family from threats.
- 2. We saw a huge silverback at the zoo yesterday.
- 3. The young gorillas follow the silverback’s lead.
- 4. A silverback’s strength keeps the group safe.