dromedary

American  

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

noun

plural

dromedaries

1. the single-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius, of Arabia and northern Africa.

---

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

---

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

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

Al Dhafra also features falcon racing, dromedary dancing and a camel milking contest.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 23, 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

"Ha! ha!" chuckled a big dromedary at the right of the Sheik, and the man turned in startled fright and fired at the animal.

From Harper's Round Table, October 22, 1895 by Various