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
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Other unusual animals that can be legally owned in the state include ferrets and chinchillas, llamas, alpacas, giraffes, bison, antelopes and marsupials like kangaroos. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 June 2025 Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground). Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 May 2025 Nearby, their ten-day-old llama, Flor, wandered around the courtyard. Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 In addition to wallabies and kangaroos, 5 Star Farm's website advertises other exotic animals such as camels, zebras, llamas, and a zedonk, a combination of a zebra and a donkey. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for llama

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

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Cite this Entry

“Llama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/llama. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

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