noun
baobab
BAY-oh-bab
Baobab (noun) means a tree native to tropical Africa with a thick, swollen trunk and large hanging fruit. Example: “A single baobab can dominate the landscape for miles around.”
noun
1
A tree native to tropical Africa with a thick, swollen trunk and large hanging fruit.
"A single baobab can dominate the landscape for miles around."
"The children gathered the fallen baobab fruit to eat."
"We stopped to photograph an ancient baobab beside the road."
2
Any tree belonging to the genus Adansonia.
"Several species of baobab grow on the island of Madagascar."
"Botanists have described a handful of baobab species worldwide."
How to use baobab
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA huge African tree with a swollen trunk and hanging fruit.
When to use it
It is a neutral, descriptive name with no informal equivalent.
Memory tip
Both syllables keep their vowel sounds distinct, so avoid rushing bao into one sound.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
ancient baobab
baobab tree
baobab fruit
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A single _____ can dominate the landscape for miles around.
Etymology
The word was borrowed into English by way of Medieval Latin from Arabic, where the term literally meant father of many seeds, referring to the tree's abundant seed pods.
Synonyms
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African baobab
monkey bread
upside-down tree
Frequently asked questions
What is a baobab tree?
It is a tree with a distinctive thick trunk and edible, gourd-like fruit, native to tropical Africa.
Why is the baobab called the upside-down tree?
Its bare branches can look like roots sticking up into the air, giving it that nickname.
Where does the word baobab come from?
It comes from Arabic, meaning father of many seeds, and reached English through Medieval Latin.
What is the meaning of baobab?
"baobab" (noun) means a tree native to tropical Africa with a thick, swollen trunk and large hanging fruit.
