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

The sweaters, which retail between $350 and $400, are made of alpaca. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025

Samir, now 17, attends Magnolia High School; his hair is cut close on the sides and bushy on the top in the fashion known as alpaca. —Jazzmin Jiwa, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025

Pairing alpaca knit sweater tops with sleek trousers is a stimulating experience too. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025

Working a color palette that added burgundy and plum, in addition to olive green, as new neutrals — very much in sync with what was trending at the fair for fall — the brand plied cashmere and wool blends or alpaca jerseys into voluptuous coats, featuring raglan sleeves and oversize lapels. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alpaca

• hakka
• makah

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