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. See guanaco, alpaca
   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

She walked up the stairs and into the Quadruped Room, which included a moose, llama, bear, bison, prong-horned antelope, hyena, and a jackal.

From Nautilus

Mummified llamas stashed at a more than 500-year-old site on Peru’s southern coast offer the first direct glimpse of Inca ritual sacrifices of these animals.

From Science News

Another llama, missing its head and possibly moved from another location, had been placed under the floor of a smaller building.

From Science News

To interrupt the infection in the nose, some scientists are turning to specialized immune proteins found in camels, llamas and alpacas.

From Science News

Since leaving the racing scene, Doom has made a name for himself by piecing together creative multi-day routes around the world that require mountain bikes, pack rafts, and the occasional llama.

From Outside Online

"He was sick of being seen as a blond bimbo," Gilliam told the Daily Llama.

From The Daily Beast

Since Holmes has been in jail, Benjamin has sent him a letter of support as well as a Christmas card of a llama.

From The Daily Beast

“He once took a picture of himself with a llama for his college application,” she said.

From The Daily Beast

The flesh of the vicuña is more tender and better flavored than that of the llama.

From Project Gutenberg

A thin fabric of close texture made from the fibers of an animal of the llama species; mixed with silk or with cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

The guanaco, by some supposed to be the llama in its wild state, is found on the eastern side of Tierra del Fuego.

From Project Gutenberg

The Peruvians domesticated the llama in large flocks, and it was their most important helper.

From Project Gutenberg

An enormous cobra which had crept up the stem of a tall palm tree threw itself on to a little llama that was grazing at the foot.

From Project Gutenberg

Llama Vs. Alpaca

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.

Quiz yourself on llamas vs. alpacas!

True or False? 

Llamas and alpacas are completely unrelated.