alpaca

noun al·paca \ al-ˈpa-kə \

|Updated on: 1 Jul 2018

Definition of alpaca

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

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Recent Examples of alpaca from the Web

The popular British department store has become a go-to for the new royal, who chose a pair of their classic tan gloves to accessorize her Sentaler alpaca coat worn to church on Christmas Day last year.

— monique jessen, PEOPLE.com, "It's a Royal Wedding Recycle! Meghan Markle Rewore Her Wedding Shoes with $40 Fascinator," 18 June 2018
Worked in Quince & Co's worsted weight wool/alpaca Owl yarn, the 11 designs featured in the book cover all manner of plain, simple, and utterly necessary knits.

— mary mooney, OregonLive.com, "Traveling Ewe looking to expand; help them do it with Indiegogo and Patreon," 11 June 2018
For the most part, though, Ms. Patman’s alpacas are gentle and quiet.

— john clarke, WSJ, "Dancing Alpacas! Guard Alpacas! Party Alpacas! Breeders Find New Uses After Market Bust," 25 Mar. 2018
After all her years in the woods, Sarnacki is a big believer in alpaca.

— lisa wood shapiro, Outside Online, "What This Adventure Writer Takes into the Woods," 24 May 2018
Not to be mistaken for their more petite cousin, the alpaca, llamas can weigh over 400 pounds, have thick fleece coats, are very brave, and are currently catching fire in the world of home decor.

— refinery29.com, "Llamas Are The Cutest New Must-Have Home Trend," 14 May 2018
For the race, alpacas were saddled up in racing colors and assigned the names of the thoroughbred horses on the leaderboard at the Kentucky Derby.

— melissa locker, Time, "The Real Kentucky Derby Action Took Place at the Alpaca Derby," 7 May 2018
Meet Rojo and Napoleon, a therapy llama and alpaca from Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas.

— Country Living, "Who Knew You Could Invite Therapy Llamas to Your Wedding?," 26 Apr. 2017
The alpaca program and presentation begins at 12:30 p.m. There is no charge for the event and reservations are not required.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Wethersfield Edition," 1 May 2018

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.

Illustration of alpaca

Origin and Etymology of alpaca

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1747

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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ALPACA Defined for English Language Learners

alpaca

noun

Definition of alpaca for English Language Learners

: 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

ALPACA Defined for Kids

alpaca

noun al·paca \ al-ˈpa-kə \

Definition of alpaca for Students

: 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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See 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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