silverback
noun
sil·ver·back
ˈsil-vər-ˌbak 
: an older adult usually dominant male gorilla having gray or whitish hair on the back
Examples of silverback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, in the days to come, zoo officials faced mounting criticism for not trying to tranquilize the 17-year-old Western lowland silverback before using lethal force.
—
Jillian Frankel, People.com, 28 May 2025
Two silverback gorillas at the Atlanta Zoo are known for their silly streak.
—Allison Moses, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Understanding the Gorilla's Strength Physical Power: An adult male silverback gorilla weighs between 300 and 500 pounds (136–227 kg) and is incredibly strong.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
In happier news, the zoo welcomed several animals through birth or transfers from other zoos, including three Eastern bongos, a critically endangered species, and a silverback gorilla to complete a family unit.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for silverback
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Jillian Frankel, People.com, 28 May 2025
Two silverback gorillas at the Atlanta Zoo are known for their silly streak.
—Allison Moses, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Understanding the Gorilla's Strength Physical Power: An adult male silverback gorilla weighs between 300 and 500 pounds (136–227 kg) and is incredibly strong.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
In happier news, the zoo welcomed several animals through birth or transfers from other zoos, including three Eastern bongos, a critically endangered species, and a silverback gorilla to complete a family unit.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for silverback
Cite this Entry
“Silverback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silverback. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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