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

For those traveling through Oregon, therapy llamas roam the concourse at the Portland International Airport. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024

Among the new glyphs, about 80% depicted humanoid figures, decapitated heads, and domesticated animals, particularly llamas (see image showing original photo and AI-identified humanoid glyph). —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024

The llamas and alpacas are trained therapy animals from Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas in Washington state. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2024

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

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