baboon

Everyday

1. A baboon is a large monkey from Africa and Arabia with a dog-like face, long jaws and big teeth, living in large groups called troops. tree →
2. (informal, insult) Calling someone a baboon means they are acting rough or silly; it is rude. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, baboons live on the ground in savannas and rocky hills, eat almost anything, and have strong social ranks. Hamadryas baboons were sacred in ancient Egypt. In safety, in parts of South Africa baboons steal food from people and cars, so do not feed them.

Examples

• A troop of baboons crossed the road. tree →
• Baboons are monkeys, not apes. tree →
• The baboon showed its long teeth. tree →
• Baboons in Cape Town sometimes steal picnic food. tree →
• Baby baboons ride on their mothers' backs. tree →
• Ancient Egyptians honoured baboons. tree →
• One day, when the sun was hotter even than usual, the rabbit awoke from his midday sleep, and saw Gudu the baboon standing beside him. tree →

Note

Countable. Baboons are monkeys (they have tails), unlike apes. Calling a person a baboon is an insult.