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.
Visitors are free to wander the apple orchard, see the resident alpacas, or sip flights of cider in the lounge. — Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 Every day, Madison Wood cares for dozens of animals at her farm, including cows, emus, goats and alpacas. — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 28 July 2026 Additional buildings include an equipment barn, cattle and alpaca barns, a chicken coop, and another barn for goats and sheep. — Mark David, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 An aluminum and alpaca stool by Brett Robinson for the closet. — Allison Duncan, Architectural Digest, 8 July 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 9 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of alpaca for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alpaca

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