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

Hop on e-bikes and ride past grazing llamas and wild flamingos to nearby towns. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

The world’s estimated 500 million pastoralists have fine-tuned the skill of living off the meat, dairy, fibers, and hides produced by their herds of sheep, cattle, camels, yaks, reindeer, and llamas. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026

The estate included a train system, amusement park with rides and attractions, and a zoo with animals such as llamas, elephants, tigers, and chimps. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026

There is a rotation of animals also on display in the Livestock area on the opposite end of the fairgrounds, with llamas, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, Friesian horses and more visiting as various competitions and exhibits are held. — Heather McRea, Oc Register, 25 July 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