llama

[lah-muh]

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.

llama

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of llama¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of llama¹

C17: via Spanish from Quechua

Example Sentences

Nanobodies, which are very small proteins found in camelid species such as camels, llamas, and alpacas, may provide a powerful new way to treat brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Read more on Science Daily

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.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And if you’d like to save your back or bring a few extra snacks, you can hire a mule team or rent llamas that, after taking an orientation, you will guide along the trail.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It affects cattle, sheep, pigs and, according to the government, "other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas".

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Salon

When To Use

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.