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 color palette of Lounge’s fall 2025 collection leans into autumn with shades of tan, cherry, chocolate and black, showcased across a range of textures that include brushed alpaca, sculpted denim, and sheer fabrics. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

Make sure to stop at the Wool Tent for raw, washed and ready to spin fleece from sheep, alpacas, goats, llamas and even rabbits. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025

Left: Brunello Cucinelli alpaca, virgin-wool, and cashmere cardigan, $5,500, silk and cotton jersey shirt, $1,150, cotton and virgin-wool trousers, $1,600, and calfskin belt, $930; Canali cashmere and silk blazer, $3,795; Brioni wool and cashmere tie, $295. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2025

Guests can rent the house, feed goats and alpacas, and get married in the on-site chapel. —Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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