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

More often those concert performances help pump up a flashy, superficial look at an enigmatic artist whose closest connections were of the animal variety (Bubbles gets screen time; ditto a giraffe, a llama and a big snake). —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026

The fact that Branca is a producer on the film has nothing to do with his portrayal as the human version of the pet llama that loves Michael unthinkingly and unconditionally. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026

According to Gregory, this depends heavily on how the llama is raised and socialized, as well as its natural demeanor. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026

As a 3-in-1 Lego kit, teens can build a bunny, a llama, or a seal. —Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 14 Mar. 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