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.
It is most commonly reported in cattle, but there have also been cases in sheep, goats, horses and alpaca. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The knits are made from all natural fibers — pure new wool, supersoft lambswool, merino and alpaca. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Other animals like horses, alpacas, sheep, and goats can be infected as well. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 The alpaca-wool-blend sweater features slightly balloon sleeves, a round neckline, tone-on-tone buttons, and an eye-catching texture. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for alpaca

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Browse Nearby Words

alp
alpaca
alpargata
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Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alpaca

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