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

Many people in the region have exotic pets and care for animals like llamas, horses and goats that need a safe place to go during this dangerous event. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2025

Therapy llamas and alpacas are calming fliers' nerves at this US airport. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2024

That's a tough environment for some species — but not llamas, which are native to the Andes Mountains of South America and accustomed to living and working in very high elevations. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 18 Aug. 2024

For those traveling through Oregon, therapy llamas roam the concourse at the Portland International Airport. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 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