llama

American  

[lah-muh] / ˈlɑ mə /

noun

1. a woolly-haired South American ruminant of the genus Lama, believed to be a domesticated variety of the guanaco: often used as a beast of burden.

2. the fine, soft fleece of the llama, combined with the wool for coating.

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llama British  

/ ˈlɑːmə /

noun

1. a domesticated South American cud-chewing mammal, Lama glama (or L. peruana ), that is used as a beast of burden and is valued for its hair, flesh, and hide: family Camelidae (camels)

2. the cloth made from the wool of this animal

3. any other animal of the genus Lama See alpaca 1 guanaco

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Usage

What’s the difference between llamas and alpacas? Llamas and alpacas are closely-related animals, and they look similar, but they are two different species. They have a lot in common. Both the llama and the alpaca are thought to be domesticated varieties of the wild South American animal known as the guanaco. They are both ruminant animals—hoofed, four-legged mammals that eat grass and other plants. And they both belong to the genus Lama and to the family that also includes camels. So how are they different?Llamas are bigger. They’re known for their strength, endurance, and high thirst tolerance. For this reason, they’re often used as work animals to carry things over long distances. Alpacas are smaller, with shorter ears. They are much fluffier than llamas, with fuzzy “bangs” that can partly hide their eyes. Their coats are very soft and silky, and they’re usually raised for their fleece, which is used to make very soft yarn or fabric. So, the best way to tell the difference is by size and fluffiness. If it looks big and strong, like it can carry a lot of stuff, it’s probably a llama. If it’s smaller and fluffier, and its fleece looks like it could be used to make really soft mittens, it’s probably an alpaca. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between llamas and alpacas.

Etymology

Origin of llama

1590–1600; < Spanish < Quechua llama (with palatal l )

Compare meaning

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

• guanaco vs. llama

Explanation

A llama comes from the Andes mountains of South America, but these woolly mammals can also be found at petting zoos and on farms. You might not want to get too close, though — when llamas feel annoyed or threatened, they spit. A llama has a long neck and thick eyelashes, and looks kind of like a camel without a hump. Llamas are native to South America, but experts believe they originated in the plains of North America about 40 million years ago, eventually becoming extinct in that part of the world, at least in the wild. Llamas are used to carry heavy loads, to guard flocks of sheep and other animals, and for their soft wool.

Example Sentences

Lilly the llama was bought as a guard by the farmer to help protect his sheep after a spate of dog attacks in the past five years.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

The adorable baby llama is a Kyrgyzstan superstar.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

Soft know-it-alls from the city and phonies of any stripe receive rough treatment in his shows, such as the llama farmer from California who gets thrown under a Montana cattle guard in “Yellowstone.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

On certain occasions, a llama fetus is added to the mix.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2025

When my mom finally gets home, I’ve already microwaved my dinner and I’m watching TV while I sketch pictures of a pet llama named Butch Cassidy.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt