baboon

noun

ba·​boon ba-ˈbün 

 chiefly British  bə-

: any of a genus (Papio) of large gregarious primates of Africa and southwestern Asia having a long square naked muzzle

also : any of several closely related primates

Illustration of baboon

Examples of baboon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But all that energy expenditure isn’t entirely the result of baboons’ many brawls. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025

As well as chimpanzees, baboons, apes, and primates in general. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025

The limestone deposit that had yielded the Taung Child, as the original Australopithecus became known, also contained the remains of all sorts of other creatures, including baboons, turtles, and hyraxes. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

As the film's main protagonist and gladiator, Lucius sees the most battles both in and out of the arena, facing off against vicious baboons, rhinos, and even sharks, not to mention his human opponents. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English babewin, from Middle French babouin, from baboue grimace

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing baboon

• baboon spider
• chacma baboon
• gelada baboon
• hamadryas baboon
• sacred baboon

Kids Definition

baboon

noun

ba·​boon ba-ˈbün 

: any of several large African and Asian monkeys having long squarish muzzles and usually short tails