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baobab
noun
bao·bab
ˈbau̇-ˌbab
ˈbā-ə-ˌbab
: a broad-trunked tropical tree (Adansonia digitata) of the silk-cotton family that is native to Africa and has an edible acidic fruit resembling a gourd and bark used in making paper, cloth, and rope
also
: any of several related trees chiefly of Madagascar and Australia
Examples of baobab in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Companies such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi have opened product lines promoting baobab ingredients.
—Farai Mutsaka, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2024
The wonders of Madagascar 1 of 14 CNN —
For millions of years, mighty baobabs have been standing sentry on three different landmasses, posing each other an existential question: Who came first?
—Tom Page, CNN, 24 June 2024
During a previous study that examined African baobab trees between 2005 and 2017, researchers reported that nine of the 13 oldest and five of the six largest baobab trees on the continent died during that time.
—Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2024
Scientists say these findings could shed light on modern threats to baobabs.
—Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for baobab
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'baobab.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin bahobab
First Known Use
1640, in the meaning defined above
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Dictionary Entries Near baobab
Cite this Entry
“Baobab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baobab. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
baobab
noun
bao·bab
ˈbau̇-ˌbab
ˈbā-ə-
: a tree native to Africa with a very wide trunk
Medical Definition
baobab
noun
bao·bab
ˈbau̇-ˌbab
ˈbā-ə-ˌbab
: a broad-trunked Old World tropical tree (Adansonia digitata) of the silk-cotton family (Bombacaceae) with an edible acid fruit resembling a gourd, leaves and bark formerly used medicinally, and bark that is used in making paper, cloth, and rope
More from Merriam-Webster on baobab
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about baobab
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