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

And while the movie may be more about capturing the spirit of the night than the exact events, many viewers may walk away with some questions about a llama, a fire, and an aggressive censor. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024

Colossal human figures, llamas, birds, and enigmatic geometric shapes have reflected the Andean worldview for over 3,000 years. —Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024

All of the proceeds from the one-bed Treehouse bookings (from $385 per night) go to rescue more llamas, which O’Brien then works to place in permanent homes. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 19 Aug. 2024

Tell me there’s a llama, there’s a stuffed llama somewhere? —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

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