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

Sprawled across 163 acres of Rock Creek Park, the zoo is home to 2,700 animals such as giant pandas, elephants, alpacas, pythons, cheetahs, gorillas, and more. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

The brand also uses vicuna, alpaca, baby llama, camel, mohair, silk and Makò cotton. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Neither one of us cared for it, but the alpaca was really good. —Marlow Stern, Variety, 4 June 2026

Though they’re more closely associated with fashion apparel like alpaca cardigans and washable silk button-downs, Quince’s home category doesn’t get enough love. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 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