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

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

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

In 1984 an infant known as Baby Fae received a baboon heart and lived for three weeks before her immune system rejected the organ.

From Scientific American • Oct. 19, 2023

The baboon was followed by a rock rabbit, which also showed no sign of wanting to drink the milk.

From "The Girl Who Married a Lion: and Other Tales from Africa" by Alexander Mccall Smith

Related Words

• monkey