baboon

noun

ba·​boon ba-ˈbün How to pronounce baboon (audio)
 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

Illustration of baboon

Examples of baboon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its significance in baboons resonates with our intuitions about the value of paternal care in our own species. Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 18 June 2025 Then their hair turns brown, resembling adult baboons. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 As sunrise paints the rocks crimson only the call of baboons echoing between rocky escarpments punctuates the silence. Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025 Alternatively, fathers may serve as a gateway to baboon society, allowing young females to establish connections that will benefit them for a lifetime. Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for baboon

Word History

Etymology

Middle English babewin, from Middle French babouin, from baboue grimace

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baboon was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baboon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baboon. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

baboon

noun
ba·​boon ba-ˈbün How to pronounce baboon (audio)
: any of several large African and Asian monkeys having long squarish muzzles and usually short tails

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