Search Dictionary
Definition of boubou

boubou

/ˈbuːbuː/
bou · bou
Plural:boubous
JUMP TO:

boubou Lexical Profile

boubou Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A traditional, flowing outer garment, often brightly colored and intricately embroidered, worn by men and women in West Africa.

Example

"For the festival, he wore a magnificent silk boubou that draped gracefully to his ankles."

2

Any of various species of African bushshrikes belonging to the genus Laniarius, noted for their bold plumage and complex, synchronized duetting calls.

Example

"The distinct, bell-like call of the tropical boubou echoed through the dense African brush."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for boubou

• Rhymes for boubou

• Nearby Words

bottle
bottlebrush
bottlenose dolphin
boubou
bougainvillea
bouillon
boulder

Word Origin & Etymology

The clothing sense derives from the Wolof word 'mbubb' via French 'boubou'. The bird sense is of independent origin, being onomatopoeic to imitate the distinct, echoing call of the bushshrike.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Boubou. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 18, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/boubou
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.