alpaca

noun

al·paca | \al-ˈpa-kə

Definition of alpaca

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

2a : wool of the alpaca

b(1) : a thin cloth made of or containing this wool

(2) : a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth

Examples of alpaca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shoes are ethically made from silky alpaca fur in Peru by cruelty-free farmers and skilled female artisans. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Soft Things For Hard Times," 1 Feb. 2018 The popular British department store has become a go-to for the new royal, who chose a pair of their classic tan gloves to accessorize her Sentaler alpaca coat worn to church on Christmas Day last year. — Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, "It's a Royal Wedding Recycle! Meghan Markle Rewore Her Wedding Shoes with $40 Fascinator," 18 June 2018 Worked in Quince & Co's worsted weight wool/alpaca Owl yarn, the 11 designs featured in the book cover all manner of plain, simple, and utterly necessary knits. — Mary Mooney, OregonLive.com, "Traveling Ewe looking to expand; help them do it with Indiegogo and Patreon," 11 June 2018 For the most part, though, Ms. Patman’s alpacas are gentle and quiet. — John Clarke, WSJ, "Dancing Alpacas! Guard Alpacas! Party Alpacas! Breeders Find New Uses After Market Bust," 25 Mar. 2018 After all her years in the woods, Sarnacki is a big believer in alpaca. — Lisa Wood Shapiro, Outside Online, "What This Adventure Writer Takes into the Woods," 24 May 2018 Not to be mistaken for their more petite cousin, the alpaca, llamas can weigh over 400 pounds, have thick fleece coats, are very brave, and are currently catching fire in the world of home decor. — refinery29.com, "Llamas Are The Cutest New Must-Have Home Trend," 14 May 2018 For the race, alpacas were saddled up in racing colors and assigned the names of the thoroughbred horses on the leaderboard at the Kentucky Derby. — Melissa Locker, Time, "The Real Kentucky Derby Action Took Place at the Alpaca Derby," 7 May 2018 Meet Rojo and Napoleon, a therapy llama and alpaca from Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas. — Country Living, "Who Knew You Could Invite Therapy Llamas to Your Wedding?," 26 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alpaca.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.