camel

noun

cam·​el ˈka-məl 

plural camels

1

: either of two large ruminant (see ruminant entry 1) mammals (genus Camelus) that have one or two large humps of stored fat on the back and are used as draft and saddle animals in desert regions especially of Africa and Asia:

a

: the one-humped camel (C. dromedarius) extant only as a domestic or feral animal : dromedary

b

: the 2-humped camel (C. bactrianus synonym C. ferus) of desert and steppe regions of northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia : bactrian camel

2

: a watertight structure used especially to lift submerged ships

3

: a light yellowish brown

4

a

: camel hair sense 2

"… So we're going to look for more luxury fabrics—cashmere, camel, alpaca and … lambswools."

—Paul Diamond

—usually used before another noun

a genuine camel coat

b

: leather made from the skin of a camel

They all have four-digit price tags and are crafted from luxe leathers like buffalo, calfskin and camel.

—Georgina Safe

—usually used before another noun

camel leather

Illustration of camel

• 1 dromedary
• 2 Bactrian camel

Examples of camel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the video progressed, Travis showcased clips of them growing older and dancing inside a locker room, riding a camel, showing off Halloween costumes, and swimming laps inside a pool. —Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

The last year has been filled with travel for our adventurous readers, who have road-tripped through Tuscany, ridden camels in the Sahara and toured some of India’s most spectacular landmarks. —Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

While the look itself was custom, influences from the Saint Laurent spring 2024 collection could be seen in its safari-like camel brown color, which paired well with her trademark blonde locks. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024

Bowen is also the creator of the Wonderland Animals, a menagerie of fiberglass animals — including a turtle, pelican, elephant, camel, kangaroo, swans, horse, and lion — that have accompanied the Plaza bunnies since the 70s. —Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024

Doing so could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back, as layoffs would accelerate the financial stress already being demonstrated in the highly concerning credit card data. —Ivan Illan, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

For a recent appearance on The View, the supermodel got creative by styling a turtleneck sweater with a camel coat, sleek black boots, and a flared denim midi skirt. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024

If things are breaking down within your family unit, will this be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, and ultimately leads you to choose the wellbeing of its youngest members above all else? —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2024

Available in white, camel, and sky blue, the leather tote would make a beautiful addition to your spring office wardrobe. —Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French, from Latin camelus, from Greek kamēlos, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew gāmāl camel

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing camel

• camel hair
• camel's hair
• the straw that breaks/broke the camel's back
• Bactrian camel

Kids Definition

camel

noun

cam·​el ˈkam-əl 

: either of two large cud-chewing mammals used for carrying burdens and for riding in desert regions especially of Africa and Asia:

a

: dromedary

b

: a two-humped camel of central Asia

called also Bactrian camel