dromedary

American  

[drom-i-der-ee, druhm-] / ˈdrɒm ɪˌdɛr i, ˈdrʌm- /

noun

plural

dromedaries

1. the single-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius, of Arabia and northern Africa.

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dromedary British  

/ ˈdrʌmədərɪ, ˈdrɒm-, -drɪ /

noun

1. a type of Arabian camel bred for racing and riding, having a single hump and long slender legs

2. another name for Arabian camel

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Etymology

Origin of dromedary

1300–50; Middle English dromedarie, -ary (< Anglo-French ) < Late Latin dromedārius ( camēlus ) < Greek dromad- (stem of dromás ) running + Latin -ārius -ary

Compare meaning

How does dromedary compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Bactrian camel vs. dromedary

Explanation

A dromedary is a type of camel. In parts of North Africa, it's popular for riders to race dromedaries. Another name for the dromedary is the "Arabian camel." Dromedaries are the tallest type of camel, and they always have a single (rather than double) hump on their backs. Despite their height, dromedaries tend to be strong, fast, and light, which is why they have been used for racing. The Late Latin dromedarius means "kind of camel," from a Greek root, dromas kamelos, "running camel."

Example Sentences

Under his perennial black derby, he was sensuously ugly, with heavy features that had the thick texture of Dromedary dates.

From Time Magazine Archive

Still fewer people now alive remember the U. S. Army's curious Dromedary Episode, started by Jefferson Davis and last week still unended.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dorothy laughed in spite of herself, and the Dromedary regarded her sulkily.

From The Royal Book of Oz In which the Scarecrow goes to search for his family tree and discovers that he is the Long Lost Emperor of the Silver Island by Thompson, Ruth Plumly

"I doubt it's donkey," put in the Dromedary importantly, but no one paid any attention to the two beasts.

From The Royal Book of Oz In which the Scarecrow goes to search for his family tree and discovers that he is the Long Lost Emperor of the Silver Island by Thompson, Ruth Plumly

"I doubt that I'll like Oz," quavered the Doubtful Dromedary, lurching toward Sir Hokus.

From The Royal Book of Oz In which the Scarecrow goes to search for his family tree and discovers that he is the Long Lost Emperor of the Silver Island by Thompson, Ruth Plumly