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

There are some safari animals within Kasanka National Park—hippos, baboons, and elephants, to name a few—but not the quantity parks like Serengeti or Maasai Mara boast. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026

Before clinical application, non-human primates such as baboons and macaques serve as recipients in preclinical transplantation studies to assess graft function and long-term survival. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 20 June 2026

The lobby alone makes an impression, with a golden tree rising above the bar and a cast of sculptural elephants, rhinos, and baboons giving the space more character than the usual city hotel lounge. — Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

The vaginal pH of female olive baboons decreases, threatening sperm, after a female has mated with a genetically similar male. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026

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