baobab

American  

[bey-oh-bab, bah-oh-, bou-bab] / ˈbeɪ oʊˌbæb, ˈbɑ oʊ-, ˈbaʊ bæb /

noun

• baobabs
  plural

1. any large tree belonging to the genus Adansonia, of the bombax family, especially A. digitata, which is native to tropical Africa, has an exceedingly thick trunk, and bears a gourdlike fruit.

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baobab British  

/ ˈbeɪəʊˌbæb /

noun

1. Also called: bottle tree.   monkey bread tree.  a bombacaceous tree, Adansonia digitata , native to Africa, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• baobabs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of baobab

First recorded in 1630–40, baobab is from the New Latin word bahobab, first cited in a description of the tree's fruit by Italian physician and botanist Prospero Alpini (1553–1616 or 17); origin obscure

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

baobab baobabs

They climb giant baobab trees to raid beehives for honey.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026

On a recent morning, Mike, a charismatic, middle-aged chimp, ambled along the savannah floor, baobab fruit dangling by a stem from his mouth -- a snack for later -- as Sadiakhou watched.

From Barron's ● Jan. 15, 2026

Zoom out and these pointillist patterns are colorful doubles of the black-and-white photographs of baobab trees mounted in the foreground.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 5, 2025

Even her hardy baobab tree produced hardly any fruit.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2024

She says nothing to me before wading into the blue grass growing beneath the baobab trees.

From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott

The iconic baobabs, also known as upside-down trees, or the tree of life, have much cultural significance, inspiring innumerable arts, folklore, and traditions.

From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024

They are calling for a higher conservation status for two endangered Malagasy species, including the biggest and most famous of Madagascar's baobabs, the giant baobab.

From BBC ● May 15, 2024

He added, “In the case of baobabs, some very special geographical history on the island contributed to the species’ diversity.”

From New York Times ● May 15, 2024

For now, the only good news is that younger baobabs do not seem to be affected as much as the huge, older trees.

From NewsForKids.net ● Apr. 10, 2024

I miss the peace and calm of the baobabs and hope it won’t be long before I get to see that world again.

From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott