camel

[ kam-uhl ]

noun

1. either of two large, humped, ruminant quadrupeds of the genus Camelus, of the Old World. Compare Bactrian camel, dromedary.
2. a color ranging from yellowish tan to yellowish brown.
3. Also called camel spin. Skating. a spin done in an arabesque position.
4. Nautical.
   1. Also called pontoon. a float for lifting a deeply laden vessel sufficiently to allow it to cross an area of shallow water.
   2. a float serving as a fender between a vessel and a pier or the like.
   3. caisson ( def 3a ).

camel

/ ˈkæməl /

noun

1. either of two cud-chewing artiodactyl mammals of the genus Camelus : family Camelidae. They are adapted for surviving long periods without food or water in desert regions, esp by using humps on the back for storing fat See Arabian camel Bactrian camel
2. a float attached to a vessel to increase its buoyancy See also caisson
3. a raft or float used as a fender between a vessel and a wharf
4. 1. a fawn colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a camel dress

Other Words From

• cam·el·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of camel¹

before 950; Middle English, Old English < Latin camēlus < Greek kámēlos < Semitic; compare Hebrew gāmāl

Word History and Origins

Origin of camel¹

Old English, from Latin camēlus, from Greek kamēlos, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic jamal

Idioms and Phrases

see under last straw .

Example Sentences

The row appears to be "the straw breaking the camel’s back," says Mr Cooper.

From BBC

‘When are we going to hire someone that we can pronounce their last name,’ and calling Muslims and Arab Americans ‘Camel Jockeys,’” Shabaik wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

When we did this research, there were 132 cheesemakers, using cow, goat, sheep, and camel milk to make cheese.

From Salon

Timujin, the 27-year-old camel, could barely walk after suffering a stretched tendon in the back of one of his legs.

From BBC

A camel has been given a "new lease of life" after a cobbler was tasked to make shoes for him.

From BBC

Related Words

• cream
• khaki
• off-white
• tan
• taupe