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

Llalacorn, a combination unicorn and llama, stands at a staggering 32 inches tall. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Due to popularity and changing tastes, organizers have also added more specialty categories over the years for people who raise yaks, alpacas, llamas and other less-traditional Western livestock. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026

An on-site spa, two award-winning restaurants, and a pack of resident llamas and alpacas make this an all-around unique stay. —Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

His whimsical characters—from glittery llamas to gingerbread soldiers—feel as familiar to him as neighbors. —Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

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