Old World monkeys and apes, including macaques and baboons (Cercopithecidae) and chimpanzees and orang-utans (Pongidae). The term is now rarely used.

Catarrhines are characterized by having their nostrils close to each other and facing downwards. Many species have cheek pouches and brightly coloured buttocks. They have 32 teeth and do not have prehensile tails. Compare with the New World Platyrrhini.