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 fever dreams involving talking llamas and dangerous slap bracelets? —Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

Before Juliana heads inside, Grant warns her that there’s a llama in the mansion. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Like the llamas, the dogs don’t have a set schedule, but typically roam the terminals during the busiest travel hours. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2024

This pocket of land populated by llamas and flamingos and history is both closer to the heavens and deeply connected to its roots. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 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