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 were orcas making tools, 110,000 spiders sharing a massive interconnected web in complete darkness and some wholesome news about the friendship bonds in both birds and baboons, it's been another varied and wonderful year for learning about life around us. —New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025

The lodge's location within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park positions guests for small-group gorilla trekking while providing safe, walkable grounds where monkeys and baboons roam freely. —Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2025

Zebras, ostriches, baboons, impalas, elephants, crocodiles, elephants whose tails had been eaten by crocodiles. —AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025

Style inspiration comes from the baboons that are swinging from the trees outside. —Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 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