吼猴是指吼猴亚科（学名：Alouattinae）吼猴属（学名：Alouatta）下的一类新世界猴，身体粗壮，雄猴体长约57厘米，尾长约50厘米，雌猴比雄猴小很多。面部裸露，吻短，眼眶朝前。拥有发达的下颌骨，用以保护发声器官。前臂和腿都很长。前肢仅拇指具有指甲，余指具爪。拇指与余指相对，踇指不与余趾相对。树栖，一般群居，主要以植物的果实为食，也吃小动物。能够发出巨大吼声，声闻数里，故名。分布于拉丁美洲地区，现存15种：

Howler monkeys (genus Alouatta monotypic in subfamily Alouattinae) are among the largest of the New World monkeys and one of only a few nest-building monkeys. Fifteen species are currently recognised. Previously classified in the family Cebidae, they are now placed in the family Atelidae. These monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. Threats to howler monkeys include human predation, habitat destruction and being captured for captivity as pets or zoo animals. These monkeys are famous for their loud howls, which can travel three miles through dense rainforest.