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

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.

From Literature

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

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• monkey