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Definition of babiana

babiana

/ˌbæbiˈɑːnə/
ba · bi · a · na
Plural:babianas
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babiana Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of various cormous plants of the genus Babiana in the iris family, native primarily to southern Africa, characterized by prominently pleated leaves and brightly colored, often fragrant tubular flowers.

Example

"The botanical garden featured a vivid display of pink and blue babianas in the South African native plant section."

• Rhymes for babiana

• Nearby Words

babbler
babe
babel
babiana
babirusa
babka
baboon

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Dutch word 'baviaantje' (little baboon), from 'baviaan' (baboon). The plant was so named by early colonists in southern Africa because they observed wild baboons digging up and eating the plant's corms.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Babiana. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/babiana
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