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alpaca

noun
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al·​paca | \ al-ˈpa-kə How to pronounce alpaca (audio) \

Definition of alpaca

1 : a domesticated mammal (Vicugna pacos synonym Lama pacos) especially of Peru that is probably descended from the vicuña
2a : 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

Illustration of alpaca

alpaca 1

Examples of alpaca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to lengthy lines for food — the longest was for barbacoa tacos and Big Red soda — the rodeo breakfast also had a petting zoo for locals to interact with an alpaca, a large turtle, a porcupine and other animals. — Diego Mendoza-moyers, ExpressNews.com, "Crowds gather for annual South Side Rodeo Breakfast," 1 Feb. 2020 The company works with fibers from rapidly replenishable materials: jute, sisal, wool, alpaca and linen. — Washington Post, "5 ways to give your home a green reboot," 22 Jan. 2020 The property also has a camper available to rent on Airbnb that sleeps five people comfortably and is located on the adorable alpaca farm. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "This California Airbnb is Actually a Working Alpaca Ranch, And It’s Only $74 a Night," 17 Apr. 2019 Hooray for Hooves Guests will meet the alpaca herd and give them a lunchtime treat. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Now you can get up close and personal with giraffes, rhinos and river hogs at the Milwaukee Zoo," 8 Jan. 2020 Their latest collection features garments made from nettles, alpaca fleece, and recycled plastic from paint tubes. — Fortune, "Why Your Next Dress Could Be Made of Horseradish," 30 Dec. 2019 Next, Crapp shared a heartbreaking image of his alpaca. — Robyn Merrett, PEOPLE.com, "Love Island's Grant Crapp Loses 'Everything' in Fire That Injured His Animals and Destroyed Home," 4 Jan. 2020 As the name would suggest, Game celebrates game meat, expanding upon the more commonly thought of venison and bison to include kangaroo, elk and even alpaca. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Rustic Louisville hotspot hits homerun with kangaroo, elk burgers that satisfy any craving," 18 Dec. 2019 This is, by far, the best place to buy traditional Andean blankets made of baby alpaca. — Joanna Hillman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Just Back From...The Sacred Valley, Peru," 6 Nov. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of alpaca

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for alpaca

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

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Time Traveler for alpaca

Time Traveler

The first known use of alpaca was in 1747

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Statistics for alpaca

Last Updated

25 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 25 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for alpaca

alpaca

noun
How to pronounce alpaca (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of alpaca

: 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

See the full definition for alpaca in the English Language Learners Dictionary

alpaca

noun
al·​paca | \ al-ˈpa-kə How to pronounce alpaca (audio) \

Kids Definition of alpaca

: 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

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More from Merriam-Webster on alpaca

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with alpaca

Spanish Central: Translation of alpaca

Nglish: Translation of alpaca for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alpaca

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