baboon

American  

[ba-boon, buh-] / bæˈbun, bə- /

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.

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baboon British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• baboonish adjective

Etymology

Origin of baboon

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

Compare meaning

How does baboon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mandrill vs. baboon

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2025

A few of Bischoff’s early taxidermy pieces are still on display, including a dog, which looks more like a cross between a wolf and a baboon, dating to the 1920s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

Thoth, the god of learning and wisdom was represented by a hamadryas baboon.

From Science Daily • Oct. 24, 2023

"This young chacma baboon is sitting on its mother's back playing the fool."

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2023

Not all baboon activities had to do with threats, though.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• monkey