camel
KAML
Camel (noun) means a large, humped mammal adapted to desert life, used for transport and as a beast of burden. Example: “They crossed the desert on the backs of camels.”
noun
1
A large, humped mammal adapted to desert life, used for transport and as a beast of burden.
"They crossed the desert on the backs of camels."
"The camel knelt down so the tourists could climb onto its back."
"A camel can go many days without drinking water."
2
A light brownish colour, like a camel's coat.
"She wore a camel coat over her jeans."
"The sofa is a soft camel that goes well with the cushions."
"I'd like the trousers in camel rather than black."
adjective
1
Of a light brownish colour.
"He picked out a camel sweater for the trip."
"She chose a camel scarf to match her boots."
"The living room walls were painted a warm camel shade."
How to use camel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe desert animal known for its hump(s); also a warm, sandy-brown colour named after it.
Common pairings
camel coat
camel hump
ride a camel
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Word forms
- Plural
- camels
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They crossed the desert on the backs of _____.
Etymology
From Latin camēlus, from Greek kámēlos, ultimately from a Semitic root related to Arabic jamal and Hebrew gamal.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for camel
See all rhymes for camel →Frequently asked questions
What does “camel” mean?
The word “camel” means a large, humped mammal adapted to desert life, used for transport and as a beast of burden. In plain terms, the desert animal known for its hump(s); also a warm, sandy-brown colour named after it.
How do you pronounce “camel”?
“Camel” is pronounced KAML (/ˈkæm(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “camel” in a sentence?
Here is “camel” used in a sentence: “They crossed the desert on the backs of camels.”
What part of speech is “camel”?
Depending on how it is used, “camel” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “camel” come from?
The word “camel” comes from Latin. From Latin camēlus, from Greek kámēlos, ultimately from a Semitic root related to Arabic jamal and Hebrew gamal.
Is “camel” a common word?
“Camel” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “camel” have?
“Camel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, humped mammal adapted to desert life, used for transport and as a beast of burden.
What is the difference between a camel, a dromedary, and a Bactrian camel?
"Camel" is the general name for the large, humped desert mammal, while dromedary and Bactrian camel refer to its two main types: the dromedary has one hump and the Bactrian camel has two. Both are adapted to desert life and used for transport and carrying loads.
Do camel humps store water?
Camel humps do not store water directly; they store fat, which the animal can break down for energy and moisture when food is scarce. This fat reserve, rather than water in the hump, is part of what allows camels to survive long periods without eating or drinking.
What does camel mean when used as a colour?
As a colour, camel describes a light brownish shade similar to the natural coat of a camel, commonly used to describe clothing, coats, and fabric. It functions as both a noun for the colour and an adjective, as in "a camel coat."
