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

Hill, who runs a small hobby farm with around 25 animals on it, got a portrait of her alpaca during a previous fundraiser. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025

The best of it—baby alpaca—is soft enough to rival cashmere, but warmer and more durable. —Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Because it’s made with alpaca wool, Paka recommends hand washing it in cold water, although it can be put in the washing machine in a delicate setting. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

Shop for gifts such as tea towels, adorable alpaca stuffed animals, cowhide rugs, and other home decor. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 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