alpaca

noun

al·​paca al-ˈpa-kə How to pronounce alpaca (audio)
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

Illustration of alpaca
  • alpaca 1

Examples of alpaca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guests can join feeding time for the alpacas, goats and local deer roaming the three hectares of forest land surrounding the property. Katharina Kotrba, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 In order to make a garment that will stand up to the rigors of outdoor adventure, as well as ring in for under $175, Paka created a fabric that’s a blend of 42 percent alpaca (traceable to the source) and14 percent merino wool, with the remainder made of recycled polyester and nylon. Frederick Reimers, Outside Online, 31 Oct. 2024 Ahead, discover our top picks, from alpaca to cashmere to wool. Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2025 The folks at Arms of Andes, a leading manufacturer of alpaca products using wool from the world’s second highest mountain range, claim that their fibers are even more moisture wicking than merino, dries faster, and has the lowest blistering/chafing rating when wet of any material. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alpaca 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpaca was in 1747

Dictionary Entries Near alpaca

Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

alpaca

noun
al·​paca al-ˈpak-ə How to pronounce alpaca (audio)
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

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