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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

baboons plural

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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.

Origin: Old French

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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