baboon
Americannoun
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baboons
plural
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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.
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a coarse, ridiculous, or brutish person, especially one of low intelligence.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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Nouns
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
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Explanation
A baboon is a type of African monkey. Baboons have long snouts that resemble dogs' muzzles. Baboons have thick fur, short tails, and prominent noses. They are ground-dwelling monkeys, and in the wild they form complex families and groups with higher- and lower-ranking members. If you visit a zoo with a primate area, you'll probably see baboons. The Old French word for baboon is baboin, or "ape," which might come from baboue, "muzzle" or "grimace."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Cape Town’s real estate has a baboon problem.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026
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
“They were showing Ridley the baboon because it was an interesting anatomical structure,” Bakowski recalls.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2024
Thoth, the god of learning and wisdom was represented by a hamadryas baboon.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2023
The poor baboon swelled up until his paws stuck straight out.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
Living in nomadic groups, the men use handmade bows and arrows to hunt Cape buffalo, baboons and the rodent-like hyrax.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026
Other wild animals like elephants and baboons also feature in the new series, which is narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2025
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 ● Oct. 1, 2025
That would mean they had more neurons than baboons, with perhaps even enough intelligence to use tools — the T. rex's notoriously tiny arms notwithstanding.
From Salon ● May 4, 2024
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 "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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