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.

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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

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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

On a recent morning, Mike, a charismatic, middle-aged chimp, ambled along the savannah floor, baobab fruit dangling by a stem from his mouth -- a snack for later -- as Sadiakhou watched.

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

Ground baobab fruit, peanut butter, milk and leafy green vegetables are stirred into the porridge to add extra nutrients.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2024

She says nothing to me before wading into the blue grass growing beneath the baobab trees.

From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott

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

They are calling for a higher conservation status for two endangered Malagasy species, including the biggest and most famous of Madagascar's baobabs, the giant baobab.

From BBC ● May 15, 2024

Mr. Patrut thinks that the oldest baobabs are around 2,500 years old.

From NewsForKids.net ● Apr. 10, 2024

Most tourists come to Malawi to go on safaris among bulbous baobabs in Liwonde National Park or sunbathe on the sparkling yellow beaches of Lake Malawi, which stretches for two-thirds of the country’s length.

From New York Times ● Nov. 15, 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