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

Bomber jackets, long coats, and suits in waxed cotton or luxurious alpaca wool point to a restrained yet intriguing aesthetic. —Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

By far the softest socks on our list, Paka’s combination of tencel and ultra-fine alpaca fibers are an absolute joy to wear and have even become our go-to socks for wandering around the house. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025

Besides adorable canines, llamas and alpacas also help to calm anxious passengers. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024

The sweaters, which retail between $350 and $400, are made of alpaca. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 20 Feb. 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