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

Knitted from a soft mix of alpaca, yak and merino wool, the $149 sweater features a ribbed V-neckline and a subtly shrunken silhouette. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 19 Dec. 2025

The same goes for cashmere and alpaca blends. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

The Dinner Sweater is made from a stretchy, cozy alpaca-blend that works as a mid-layer on cold days and a classy option for date night. —Will Porter, Outside, 9 Dec. 2025

Or from Peruvian Cumbi, the textiles reserved for Inca royalty, to alpaca wool Awaska fabric made for the people’s everyday protection against the cold, to the handwoven headdresses of Colombia’s Wayúu people. —Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 Dec. 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