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

This affords it plenty of privacy despite the windows on all sides, with the only immediate neighbors being a boisterous bunch of alpacas, goats, chicken, and cows. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

The ranch’s main operation is alpaca breeding, but appointments can be made to come out and feed the animals, including the babies, called cria. —Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026

Explore 50-plus shops, like Kathe Wohlfahrt of America (for holiday decorations), All Things Sheared (for alpaca wool products), Candyland (for old-fashioned candies and the original Chicago Mix® popcorn), and Black Letter Books (for used, rare, or out-of-print books). —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 2 Apr. 2026

Located in Avelengo, Chalet Mirabell offers family-friendly accommodations with a spa, alpaca farm and the region’s largest natural swimming pond. —Ramona Saviss, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 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