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 Meg also mentioned that spitting is not usually seen in vertebrates outside humans, camels, llamas, and alpacas. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 The 78 percent alpaca wool material is soft to the touch and will keep you warm even against that full-blast plane air conditioning, while the wrap design also features a waist tie for a chic twist. Megan Schaltegger, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2024 Tencel gives it a silky-smooth texture and moisture-wicking durability similar to polyester, whereas the royal alpaca fibers — one of the softest and finest grades of alpaca fiber — provides temperature-regulating properties. Marisa Petrarca, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2024 The two embraces and, through tears, Stewart and his alpaca walked off toward his new/old gig. Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2024 Then, the two inspected his living space — consisting of boxes of The Faculty DVDs, boxes of Emmys, and an alpaca. Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2024 Lapel-less alpaca wool overcoats are a standout among the outerwear, plus a luxurious shearling overcoat. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2024 Admission includes entry to Riverbanks Farm (cows, goats, alpaca, owls). John Bordsen, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Cashmere, wool, and alpaca are excellent choices to keep you warm. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alpaca.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near alpaca

Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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