alpaca

noun

al·​paca al-ˈpa-kə 

1

: a domesticated mammal (Vicugna pacos synonym Lama pacos) especially of Peru that is probably descended from the vicuña

2

a

: wool of the alpaca

b(1)

: a thin cloth made of or containing this wool

(2)

: a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth

Illustration of alpaca

• alpaca 1

Examples of alpaca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Made from a luxe alpaca yarn blend this sweater looks great with a button down and a skirt or standalone with jeans. —Rana Good, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

In recent months, the Portland airport (PDX) has enlisted pairs of therapy llamas and alpacas to visit its terminals and soothe uneasy passengers. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2024

Eighteen horses, one miniature horse, four cows, three alpacas, one parrot, one pig and two geese call the sanctuary home, according to its website. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024

This alpaca wool beanie hat from Amazon is made of high quality material to provide lasting warmth and softness. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alpaca

noun

al·​paca al-ˈpak-ə 

1

: a mammal with fine long woolly hair domesticated in Peru and related to the llama

2

: wool of the alpaca or a cloth made of it

also : a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth

Etymology

Spanish