When you say 'baboon' are you speaking French?

'Baboon' is a word borrowed from French 'babuin'. The word entered the English language some time around the 15th century.

baboon [noun] [15th century]

• any of a genus (Papio) of large gregarious primates of Africa and southwestern Asia having a long square naked muzzle
• any of several closely related primates

Meaning: any of a genus ( Papio ) of large gregarious primates of Africa and southwestern Asia having a long square naked muzzle; any of several closely related primates.

Etymology: Middle English babewin; from Middle French babouin; from baboue grimace.

Topics: Animals:Mammals.

Origin: From French to English.

See 'baboon' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French.

See more loan words from 1400s.