baboon

noun

ba·​boon ba-ˈbün 

 chiefly British  bə-

: any of a genus (Papio) of large gregarious primates of Africa and southwestern Asia having a long square naked muzzle

also : any of several closely related primates

Illustration of baboon

Examples of baboon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While observing wild baboons in Kenya, researcher Akiko Matsumoto-Oda noticed something striking. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

In the past, researchers have run similar experiments with baboons. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025

When Macrinus is in the suburban colosseum with the baboons, his outfit is subtle and majestic. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024

While the company and transplant surgeons initially planned on using pig hearts as a bridge for patients waiting for human hearts—for anywhere from 100-200 days—the baboons have survived for more than 500 days. —Alice Park, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English babewin, from Middle French babouin, from baboue grimace

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing baboon

• baboon spider
• chacma baboon
• gelada baboon
• hamadryas baboon
• sacred baboon

Rhymes for baboon

• attune
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn
• jejune

Kids Definition

baboon

noun

ba·​boon ba-ˈbün 

: any of several large African and Asian monkeys having long squarish muzzles and usually short tails