baobab

[ bey-oh-bab, bah-oh-, bou-bab ]

noun

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

/ ˈbeɪəʊˌbæb /

noun

1. 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 Also calledbottle treemonkey bread tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of baobab¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of baobab¹

C17: probably from a native African word

Example Sentences

As all know, the mowana, or baobab, is one of the largest of trees; specimens being met with having a girth of nearly 100 feet.

From Project Gutenberg

One baobab he computed at 90 feet in girth, and its rounded crest extended over an area of upwards of 170 yards in circuit.

From Project Gutenberg

And so, linking his arm with the worthy major, he calmly wended his way to Baobab Villa, amid the ringing cheers of the populace.

From Project Gutenberg

The baobab and the karite (shea butter tree) are found only in the Niger districts.

From Project Gutenberg

On reaching it, we seated ourselves under a large baobab, which was more than thirty feet in circumference.

From Project Gutenberg