alpaca

noun

al·​paca al-ˈpa-kə How to pronounce alpaca (audio)
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

Illustration of alpaca
  • alpaca 1

Examples of alpaca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for alpaca

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpaca was in 1747

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

alpaca

noun
al·​paca al-ˈpak-ə How to pronounce alpaca (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on alpaca

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!