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.
Rescues there include horses, goats, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, sheep and more. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 July 2025 See rabbits, pigs and poultry in the east wing and horses, cattle, llamas, alpacas, goats and sheep in the livestock pavilion. Laura Daily, Denver Post, 2 July 2025 But expect these to be used like watercolor washes across silhouettes thanks to fine gauge cashmere or fuzzy alpaca, materials the designer chose for their cloud-soft textures. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 The wow factor runs away The zebra was meant to be the ultimate showpiece for the Ford family, taking its place among the family's alpacas, bison, cattle and other farm animals. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 10 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 22 Jul. 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

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