dromedary

American  

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

noun

• dromedaries
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dromedaries
  plural

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

See Examples For:

dromedary dromedaries

Studies, some done by Drosten’s team, found 229E relatives in healthy dromedary camels in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa, firming up the theory.

From Science Magazine ● Jan. 11, 2024

The WHO said there were no signs the man had come into contact with dromedary camels, which spread the disease that is separate from COVID-19.

From Reuters ● Jul. 24, 2023

The dromedary in question escaped a Nativity scene in Bonner Springs, marking the latest chapter in the colorful and often chaotic history of camels in the United States.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 17, 2021

We joke about Judy’s dromedary days still, how she would drag her fluid-filled lump across the living-room floor, taking uncertain, lopsided hops that audibly sloshed.

From New York Times ● Nov. 9, 2018

This species, the one-humped camel, or dromedary, differs somewhat from that having two humps.

From The World and Its People: Book VII Views in Africa by Anna B. Badlam

Eighty-six percent of the dromedaries and 69 percent of the goats who managed to get the goods.

From New York Times ● Apr. 4, 2023

In 1855, Davis wheedled about $20,000 out of Congress, enough for a trip to the Mideast to buy 30-some camels and dromedaries and hire “cameleers.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2021

Q. Rep. Gohmert, what do you call two dromedaries crossing a desert?

From Washington Post ● Oct. 10, 2019

Prof Gary Stephens said: "Llamas and other dromedaries, such as camels, have been found to produce nano antibodies which are much smaller than those of humans."

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2019

We’re greeted by the grunts and complaints of distressed dromedaries.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen