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

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

See alpaca defined for English-language learners

See alpaca defined for kids

Recent Examples of alpaca from the Web

But on Thanksgiving weekend, the cougar once again got into her alpaca pen and massacred 10 more animals in a single night.

— sacbee, "California voters banned mountain lion hunting three decades ago, but the shooting never stopped," 3 Nov. 2017
An occasional alpaca also makes an appearance; Freistadt 4-H Club adds a float of goats dressed as reindeer.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Holiday Traditions," 27 Oct. 2017
Hang out with an alpaca and have fun feeding the animals with the big personalities, or browse the boutique in the old potato cellar.

— brigid schulte, miamiherald, "Topping off a resort vacation on Oregon’s Smith Rock | Miami Herald," 4 Nov. 2017
The cat never came back, so Vaughan (no relation to the Malibu alpaca owner with a similar name) didn’t use her permit.

— sacbee, "California voters banned mountain lion hunting three decades ago, but the shooting never stopped," 3 Nov. 2017
An occasional alpaca also makes an appearance

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Holiday Traditions," 27 Oct. 2017
Jil Sander Coat, $4,190, Totokaelo New York, 206-623-3582 Instead of the predictable parka silhouette, Sacai designer Chitose Abe adapted a blouson shape for her sophisticated wool tweed and alpaca puffer.

— alev aktar, WSJ, "Is a $5,930 Puffer Coat Sexier Than a $200 One?," 28 Sep. 2017
Some of those things include office pranks and a company recruitment video that features Iafrate appearing pantsless and later posing as CEO, authorizing the purchase of an alpaca.

— charlotteobserver, "Why I love my job: LendingTree LLC," 28 Sep. 2017
Kylie walks down the aisle carrying a baby alpaca, while Jordyn gets basic roses.

— mariah smith, The Cut, "Life of Kylie Failed in Its Mission," 18 Sep. 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.

Illustration of alpaca

Origin and Etymology of alpaca

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1747

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

ALPACA Defined for English Language Learners

alpaca

noun

Definition of alpaca for English Language Learners

: a South American animal that is related to the llama and has long woolly hair
: wool of the alpaca or a cloth made of it

ALPACA Defined for Kids

alpaca

noun al·paca \ al-ˈpa-kə \

Definition of alpaca for Students

: a South American animal related to the camel and llama that is raised for its long woolly hair which is woven into warm strong cloth

Learn More about alpaca

See words that rhyme with alpaca Spanish Central: Translation of alpaca Nglish: Translation of alpaca for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alpaca

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up alpaca? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

alpaca

Definition of alpaca

Recent Examples of alpaca from the Web

Illustration of alpaca

Origin and Etymology of alpaca

ALPACA Defined for English Language Learners

alpaca

Definition of alpaca for English Language Learners

ALPACA Defined for Kids

alpaca

Definition of alpaca for Students

Learn More about alpaca

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

Bee Cubed

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

alpaca

Definition of alpaca

Recent Examples of alpaca from the Web

Illustration of alpaca

Origin and Etymology of alpaca

ALPACA Defined for English Language Learners

alpaca

Definition of alpaca for English Language Learners

ALPACA Defined for Kids

alpaca

Definition of alpaca for Students

Learn More about alpaca

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes