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

The hairless baboons that appear in a smaller arena earlier in Gladiator II are a fictional invention, continues Bartsch. —Jack Smart, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024

Paramount The other animal that makes a big impression is the mangy baboon that Paul Mescal’s character, Lucius, has to fight in his first battle. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

Were there actual baboons in Roman gladiator fights? —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 28 Feb. 2016

Stephanie Fae Beauclair, who had been given a baboon heart transplant in an effort to save her life, died just weeks after being born and 21 days after the transplant. —The Arizona Republic, 15 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