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

The company says that the use of its solution has the most impact on textiles for which false claims are more frequent, including recycled fibers, cotton, cashmere and alpaca wool. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025

Avocado's Plush topper is made of baby alpaca wool (that's a reference to the softest wool on the animal, not its age) with an organic cotton cover. —Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 11 June 2025

While most don’t have collections as extensive as his, he’s met people across the state who specialize in everything from rare lizards to farmers raising alpacas. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025

The alpaca survived the attack and is being treated for a leg injury, the sheriff’s office said. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 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