monkey bread

American  

noun

1. the gourdlike fruit of the baobab, eaten by monkeys.

2. the tree itself.

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monkey bread British  

noun

1. the gourdlike fruit of the baobab tree

2. another name for baobab

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Etymology

Origin of monkey bread

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

The signature challenge asked bakers to make a batch of monkey bread, a sticky pull-apart bread made from balls of dough layered and baked in a Bundt pan.

From Salon • Sep. 25, 2025

Although King was one day late, Winfrey made sure to go all out for their Christmas reunion, revealing that she had a chef create the CBS host's favorite dessert, monkey bread.

From Fox News • Dec. 28, 2021

Warmed by heat lamps, they drank champagne and feasted on brisket, monkey bread and pão de queijo.

From Washington Post • Jan. 20, 2021

Rachael Ray Emma Bunton; Nikki and Brie Bella; cast-iron skillet pizza; monkey bread; cupcakes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2018

The pulp of the fruit of the Adansonia digitata, or monkey bread, is also used as an article of food.

From The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom Considered in Their Various Uses to Man and in Their Relation to the Arts and Manufactures; Forming a Practical Treatise & Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial Value, &c. of the Various Substances Obtained From Trees and Plants, Entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-tropical Regions, &c. by Simmonds, P. L.