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 farm is home to goats, Holstein cows, potbellied and kune kune pigs, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, guinea fowl, guinea pigs, geese, chickens, a Shetland pony, and a Shire horse. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

General admission includes access to the sunflower field, pumpkin patch and corn maze, kids’ bounce zones and play areas, a petting zoo featuring alpacas, ponies, donkeys, goats and bunnies, craft stations, photo ops, river walk, live music, vendor marketplace and a free pumpkin. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025

The color palette of Lounge’s fall 2025 collection leans into autumn with shades of tan, cherry, chocolate and black, showcased across a range of textures that include brushed alpaca, sculpted denim, and sheer fabrics. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

Make sure to stop at the Wool Tent for raw, washed and ready to spin fleece from sheep, alpacas, goats, llamas and even rabbits. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 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