: either of two large ruminant (see ruminantentry 1) mammals (genus Camelus) that have one or two large humps of stored fat on the back and are used as draft and saddle animals in desert regions especially of Africa and Asia:
a
: the one-humped camel (C. dromedarius) extant only as a domestic or feral animal : dromedary
b
: the 2-humped camel (C. bactrianus synonym C. ferus) of desert and steppe regions of northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia : bactrian camel
2
: a watertight structure used especially to lift submerged ships
"… So we're going to look for more luxury fabrics—cashmere, camel, alpaca and … lambswools."—Paul Diamond
—usually used before another noun
a genuine camel coat
b
: leather made from the skin of a camel
They all have four-digit price tags and are crafted from luxe leathers like buffalo, calfskin and camel.—Georgina Safe
—usually used before another noun
camel leather
Illustration of camel
1 dromedary
2 Bactrian camel
Examples of camel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebSeen here in camel, the classic tote is also available in versatile neutrals including dawn, navy blue, and black onyx.
$325 at Leatherology
Say hello to your new business trip tote.—Kristi Kellogg, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2024 While chatting with her sister, Kylie Jenner, on the May 30 episode of The Kardashians, the Good American founder, 39, joked about how her camel toe has disappeared since losing weight.—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024 This classic diner serves an international selection of burgers and a new A5 Wagyu option, but its specialty is exotic meat grinds like wild boar, water buffalo, gator, elk, antelope and even camel.—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024 Share [Findings] Researchers who wear orange catch more anoles, and Australia began culling thousands of camels with helicopter snipers.—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for camel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'camel.' 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
Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French, from Latin camelus, from Greek kamēlos, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew gāmāl camel
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of camel was
before the 12th century
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