noun
baboon
buh-BOON
Baboon (noun) means a large Old World monkey with a dog-like snout, big canine teeth, cheek pouches, and a short tail. Example: “A troop of baboons foraged along the riverbank at dawn.”
noun
1
A large Old World monkey with a dog-like snout, big canine teeth, cheek pouches, and a short tail.
"A troop of baboons foraged along the riverbank at dawn."
"The zoo's baboon enclosure has a rocky outcrop for climbing."
2
An insult for someone acting foolish, stupid, or incompetent.
"Stop acting like a baboon and read the instructions."
How to use baboon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large ground-dwelling monkey with a long snout; also a rude insult for someone behaving stupidly.
Common pairings
a troop of baboons
act like a baboon
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Word forms
- Plural
- baboons
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A troop of _____ foraged along the riverbank at dawn.
Etymology
From Old French babouin, probably from a word meaning "grimace" or "muzzle" — the animal was likely named for its expressive face.
Rhymes for baboon
See all rhymes for baboon →Frequently asked questions
What does “baboon” mean?
The word “baboon” means a large Old World monkey with a dog-like snout, big canine teeth, cheek pouches, and a short tail. In plain terms, a large ground-dwelling monkey with a long snout; also a rude insult for someone behaving stupidly.
How do you pronounce “baboon”?
“Baboon” is pronounced buh-BOON (/ˌbæˈbuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “baboon” in a sentence?
Here is “baboon” used in a sentence: “A troop of baboons foraged along the riverbank at dawn.”
What part of speech is “baboon”?
“Baboon” is a noun.
Where does the word “baboon” come from?
The word “baboon” comes from Old French. From Old French babouin, probably from a word meaning "grimace" or "muzzle" — the animal was likely named for its expressive face.
How many meanings does “baboon” have?
“Baboon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large Old World monkey with a dog-like snout, big canine teeth, cheek pouches, and a short tail.
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