Monkey/ˈmʌŋki/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Not a Pet Although cute, monkeys are wild animals, not pets, and can be dangerous. Unlike cats, monkeys should never be kept as pets. Pro Tip 2/3Habitat Context Monkeys are often associated with tropical forests and zoos in conversation. Monkeys thrive in the dense canopy of the Amazon. Pro Tip 3/3Intelligent Creatures Monkeys are smart and can use tools, relevant in discussions about animal intelligence. Researchers observe how monkeys use stones to crack nuts.