noun
baboon
buh-BOON
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
Word Forms
baboons plural
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Etymology
From Old French babouin, probably from a word meaning "grimace" or "muzzle" — the animal was likely named for its expressive face.