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 candelabra, made from alpaca metal (also known as nickel silver), embraces visible marks of welding and heat treatment, creating oil slick-like effects. —Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

Agriculture science teacher Katie McMahon oversees 59 students plus alpacas, cows, ducks, goats, chickens and horses. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Over in the living area, a deep, squishy couch—with more alpaca wool blankets cast over it—is warmed by a woodfire stove. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

How the Program Works Since 2023, therapy llamas and alpacas from Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas, a Washington nonprofit based in Ridgefield, have been visiting PDX about once a month. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 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