baboon

[ba-boon, buh-]

noun

1. any of various large, terrestrial monkeys of the genus Papio and related genera, of Africa and Arabia, having a doglike muzzle, large cheek pouches, and a short tail.

2. a coarse, ridiculous, or brutish person, especially one of low intelligence.

baboon

/ bəˈbuːn /

noun

1. any of several medium-sized omnivorous Old World monkeys of the genus Papio (or Chaeropithecus ) and related genera, inhabiting open rocky ground or wooded regions of Africa. They have an elongated muzzle, large teeth, and a fairly long tail See also hamadryas gelada

Other Word Forms

• baboonish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of baboon¹

1275–1325; Middle English baboyne, babewyn grotesque figure, gargoyle, late Middle English: baboon (compare Anglo-Latin babevynus ) < Middle French babouin, akin to babine pendulous lip, derivative of an expressive base *bab- grimace

Word History and Origins

Origin of baboon¹

C14 babewyn gargoyle, later, baboon, from Old French babouin , from baboue grimace; related to Old French babine a thick lip

Example Sentences

Just imagining what might be going on at the zoo this very minute was more than she could stand— all those grim-faced bears, hungry lions, and wild-eyed baboons.

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Other wild animals like elephants and baboons also feature in the new series, which is narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

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In most mammal species, females live longer -- for example, female baboons and gorillas often surpass males in age.

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Indeed, the Jane Goodall Institute now runs a longstanding baboon research project based partly on the fact that baboons are important chimpanzee prey.

Read more on Salon

Goodall, in removing the barriers, raised primatology to new heights, opening the way for research on subjects ranging from political coalitions among baboons to the use of deception by an array of primates.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• monkey