baboons
|ba-boons|
/bəˈbuːn/
(baboon)
dog-faced large monkey
Etymology
'baboon' originates from French, specifically the word 'babouin', probably via Portuguese 'babuíno' and ultimately from African languages; the exact original source is uncertain.
'babouin' (French) was adopted into English (early modern English) as 'baboon' and developed into the modern English word 'baboon'.
Initially used for exotic or large monkey-like primates encountered by Europeans; over time it settled into the current meaning referring specifically to monkeys of the genus Papio (baboons).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'baboon': any of several large Old World monkeys of the genus Papio, with long doglike muzzles and heavy canine teeth; typically living in social troops.
Baboons live in troops in savannas and open woodlands.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 01:16