baba

The word “baba” means a small, rich cake soaked in rum or other flavored syrup. In plain terms, depending on context: a syrup-soaked cake, or a family/spiritual term of address used in many cultures.

“Baba” is pronounced BAH-bah (/ˈbɑːbɑː/ in IPA).

Here is “baba” used in a sentence: “The bakery's rum baba was soaked until it nearly fell apart on the fork.”

“Baba” is a noun.

The word “baba” comes from French. One of the earliest sounds babies make, adopted across many unrelated languages as a word for close family members like father or grandmother; the cake sense comes through French from Polish baba ("old woman").

“Baba” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Baba” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, rich cake soaked in rum or other flavored syrup.

Baba has several meanings depending on culture and context: in some traditions it's an informal word for a father, grandmother, or other family elder, while in South Asian traditions it can refer to a respected spiritual teacher or holy man. It is also the name of a small, rich cake soaked in flavored syrup, so its meaning depends heavily on context.

No, baba does not always mean father; in various cultures it can also refer informally to a grandmother or other elder relative, and it has entirely separate meanings as a spiritual title or a type of cake. Its meaning must be determined by the culture and context in which it's used.

A baba is a small, rich cake soaked in rum or another flavored syrup, giving it a moist texture and strong flavor. It is associated with French and Eastern European baking traditions, and this culinary sense is unrelated to its use as a family or spiritual term.