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

It’s made with a blend of alpaca fiber and Tencel from eucalyptus, adding softness, warmth, and excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2025

Other unusual animals that can be legally owned in the state include ferrets and chinchillas, llamas, alpacas, giraffes, bison, antelopes and marsupials like kangaroos. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 June 2025

The global alpaca industry runs through this valley. —Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The alpacas, who were captured and returned to their enclosure, had escaped when a third-party worker left their pen unlocked while cleaning, according to WEWS. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 12 May 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