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.
Ventura County Animal Services said 115 horses, five ponies, three donkeys, seven sheep, 33 goats, four mini horses, one cattle, and 20 alpacas are being sheltered Friday as evacuees. —Dennis Romero, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 As King Charles and Queen Camilla embarked on a 30-minute walk to greet the crowd, Charles stopped to pat the alpaca. —Erin Hill, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024 In the bedroom, Agnes Martin prints hang above the brown alpaca bed that Matt designed himself. —Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2024 King Charles had an unexpected encounter with an alpaca while visiting Canberra during his royal tour of Australia. —Erin Hill, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near alpaca

alp

alpaca

alpargata

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alpaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpaca. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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