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

Hamadryas baboons are found in the wild in large numbers in Ethiopia, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the zoo said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025

Comparing skin wounds in humans with skin wounds in other primates (including chimpanzees, baboons, and two types of monkeys), as well as with skin wounds in other mammals (such as mice and rats), the researchers found that humans had a significantly slower rate of healing. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025

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

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