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

The 5 Star Farm petting zoo — which has events listed on its website dating back more than 15 years — features animals like camels, ponies, llamas and more, according to its website. —Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025

Besides adorable canines, llamas and alpacas also help to calm anxious passengers. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024

Akilah turns and the llama is standing next to her. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

There was also Radhika, who taught Grant a Bollywood dance, and Alexe, who trekked up the driveway on foot with her llama Linda in tow (which Grant mistook for a donkey). —Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Jan. 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