baobab

American  

[bey-oh-bab, bah-oh-, bou-bab] / ˈbeɪ oʊˌbæb, ˈbɑ oʊ-, ˈbaʊ bæb /

noun

• baobabs
  plural

1. any large tree belonging to the genus Adansonia, of the bombax family, especially A. digitata, which is native to tropical Africa, has an exceedingly thick trunk, and bears a gourdlike fruit.

---

baobab British  

/ ˈbeɪəʊˌbæb /

noun

1. Also called: bottle tree.   monkey bread tree.  a bombacaceous tree, Adansonia digitata , native to Africa, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• baobabs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of baobab

First recorded in 1630–40, baobab is from the New Latin word bahobab, first cited in a description of the tree's fruit by Italian physician and botanist Prospero Alpini (1553–1616 or 17); origin obscure

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

baobab baobabs

“This has been our home for a long time. We have no intention of leaving,” she said, sitting under the shade of an ancient baobab tree.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026

They keep count as Raffy whacks a baobab fruit eight times or note which arm he uses to do so -- although chimps are normally left-handed.

From Barron's ● Jan. 15, 2026

Architect Paul R. Williams’ Guardian Angel Cathedral, which opened in the city in 1963, is cited as a design influence, as are the singular stocky trunk baobab trees of the African savanna.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2025

Even her hardy baobab tree produced hardly any fruit.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2024

At break that morning, Joe, Paul, and Raymond sat with me beneath the baobab tree outside our school.

From "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

The iconic baobabs, also known as upside-down trees, or the tree of life, have much cultural significance, inspiring innumerable arts, folklore, and traditions.

From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024

He added, “In the case of baobabs, some very special geographical history on the island contributed to the species’ diversity.”

From New York Times ● May 15, 2024

For now, the only good news is that younger baobabs do not seem to be affected as much as the huge, older trees.

From NewsForKids.net ● Apr. 10, 2024

There is concern that removal of baobabs could have a serious ecological impact as numerous species of insects, reptiles and birds rely on the trees for habitat.

From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2022

I don’t know if it’s the baobabs or Ma’s story that makes me feel so happy, but I can’t stop grinning.

From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott