llama

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/ˈlɑː.mə/
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A large domesticated camelid from the Andes, valued especially as a pack animal and for its fibre and other products.

Examples

  • One llama guarded the flock from coyotes.
  • The farmer sheared the llamas for their fibre.
  • The llamas gathered near their communal dung pile.
  • Unlike a camel, a llama has no hump.
  • A young llama is called a cria.

Similar words

Meanings

Usage

Use llama for the animal and distinguish it from the smaller alpaca and the wild guanaco. Meta’s technology brand is capitalized Llama and belongs at a separate case-sensitive headword.

Common mistakes

Writing the llama are for more than one animal is incorrect because the regular plural is llamas.

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish llama, from Quechua lama, the name of the animal.

FAQ

What is a llama?

A llama is a large domesticated South American camelid traditionally used to carry loads and provide fibre, meat, hides, and other products.

Is a llama the same as an alpaca?

No. Llamas are larger and have traditionally served as pack animals, while alpacas are smaller and bred chiefly for finer fibre.

What is the plural of llama?

The regular plural is llamas.

Where do llamas come from?

They were domesticated in South America and are closely associated with the Andes.

Do llamas have humps?

No. Llamas are camelids, but unlike Old World camels they have no humps.

What is a young llama called?

A young llama is called a cria.

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