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.
Those who support the baboons being removed say the only serious alternative is culling. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026 Those bulbs are dormant now, so shop for and plant bugle lilies, species gladiolas (a million times better than gaudy, fancy hybrid gladiolus), native mariposa lilies, baboon flower, and more. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 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 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

Phrases Containing baboon

Rhymes for baboon

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Browse Nearby Words

baboen
baboon
baboonery
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Cite this Entry

“Baboon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baboon. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on baboon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about baboon

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