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

This working alpaca farm is a charming stop that’s especially popular in the fall. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026

Before that, Brown had shared a clip of herself and Bongiovi taking a stroll with alpacas in Italy, with the Stranger Things star holding their daughter as the actor-model appeared to wear a baby carrier strapped to his torso. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026

While owning a herd of alpacas isn’t realistic for everyone, stepping onto Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch offers a temporary break from a busy world. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Pedal over to the corral (kid-sized bikes are available) and say hello to the resident alpacas, goats, and bighorns. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

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