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

The lightweight formula contains yuzu ceramide, argan extract, quinoa, and a baobab and marula oil blend to strengthen hair, calm the scalp, and control frizz. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 July 2025

The tapas-style boma barbecue beside a baobab under the stars that highlighted regional specialties like boerewors (sausages) with spicy chakalaka sauce and pap (maize meal) balls inspired by arancini. —Melanie Van Zyl, AFAR Media, 16 June 2025

But those who do manage to make it are rewarded with glimpses of towering red boulders and precious baobabs that sprout from emerald plains of grass, as well as the great Limpopo River, which separates South Africa from Zimbabwe and Botswana. —Mary Holland, Robb Report, 5 June 2025

Your Super even outlines where each one is sourced from—wheatgrass and barley grass are sourced in the U.S.A., while moringa is from India, baobab from Ghana, spirulina from Chile, and chlorella from Portugal. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bahobab

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

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