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

Another great topper option is the Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper, made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and alpaca fiber, which is even softer than the one previously mentioned. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025

But the big attraction is Inti, a docile baby alpaca who sits next to the artisan, contentedly munching on leaves. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Now, women who had once been relegated to working in the fields were applying their traditional artisan skills, creating products from alpaca fiber. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 July 2025

Rescues there include horses, goats, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, sheep and more. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 July 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