llama

noun

lla·​ma ˈlä-mə  ˈyä-mə 

: 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

Examples of llama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wild guanacos—llama-like camelids with dark-red fur—darted across the road. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

As for shopping, count on independent stores within a stone's throw (like Tarwi, which stocks local brands known for their llama and alpaca knits, on the tiny cobblestoned street south of the hotel). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Some of these spaces were inhabited by horses or llamas, but many were just sown with Kentucky blue grass that was carefully cut every weekend. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

The couple walked llamas on leashes as Brown, 22, held the couple’s child on her hip. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for llama

• brahma
• chama
• comma
• dama
• drama
• gama
• lama
• mama
• mamma
• momma
• rama
• sama

Kids Definition

llama

noun

lla·​ma ˈläm-ə 

: 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