llama

noun

: any of a genus (Lama) of wild or domesticated, long-necked, South American ruminant (see ruminant entry 1) mammals related to the camels but smaller and without a hump
especially : a domesticated llama (L. glama) descended from the guanaco and used especially in the Andes as a pack animal and a source of wool

Illustration of llama

Illustration of llama

Examples of llama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web He’s also photographed llamas, elephants, giraffes, and camels — just to name a few. Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 13 May 2024 Other animals working in liberty formation at Circus World will include camels, llamas and ponies. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for llama 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'llama.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of llama was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near llama

Cite this Entry

“Llama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/llama. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

llama

noun
lla·​ma ˈläm-ə How to pronounce llama (audio)
: any of several wild and domesticated long-necked South American hoofed mammals that chew the cud and are related to the camels but smaller and without a hump

More from Merriam-Webster on llama

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