baba

ba-ba · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (In various cultures) Grandmother; an affectionate term for an elderly woman.

  2. 2.

    (Culinary) A small rich cake, typically soaked in rum syrup; also called "baba au rhum."

  3. 3.

    (Middle Eastern) A dip or spread, as in "baba ghanoush."

Forms

plural: babas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    baba ghanoush — A Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant.
  • •
    baba au rhum — A small yeast cake soaked in rum syrup.
  • •
    Ali Baba — Character from Arabian Nights tales.

Related words

See also: grandma, grandmother, nana
Synonyms: grandma, grandmother

Etymology

From Slavic languages (Russian, Polish, etc.) baba meaning "grandmother" or "old woman." The culinary term comes from Polish, likely influenced by the shape resembling an old woman's skirt. The Middle Eastern usage comes from Arabic baba ("father") in compounds like baba ghanoush.