alpaca

American  

[al-pak-uh] / ælˈpæk ə /

noun

1. a domesticated South American ruminant, Lama pacos, having long, soft, silky fleece, related to the llama and believed to be a variety of the guanaco.

2. the fleece of this animal.

3. a fabric or yarn made of it.

4. a glossy, commonly black woolen fabric with cotton warp.

5. a crepe fabric made of rayon and acetate yarn in imitation of alpaca wool cloth.

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alpaca ¹ British  

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a domesticated cud-chewing artiodactyl mammal, Lama pacos, closely related to the llama and native to South America: family Camelidae. Its dark shaggy hair is a source of wool

2. the cloth made from the wool of this animal

3. a glossy fabric simulating this, used for linings, etc

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alpaca ² British  

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a type of nickel silver used in jewellery

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Usage

What’s the difference between alpacas and llamas? Alpacas and llamas are closely-related animals, and they look similar, but they are two different species. They have a lot in common. Both the alpaca and the llama are thought to be domesticated varieties of the wild South American animal known as the guanaco. They are both ruminant animals—hoofed, four-legged mammals that eat grass and other plants. And they both belong to the genus Lama and to the family that also includes camels. So how are they different?Alpacas are smaller, with shorter ears. They are much fluffier than llamas, with fuzzy “bangs” that can partly hide their eyes. Their coats are very soft and silky, and they’re usually raised for their fleece, which is used to make very soft yarn or fabric. Llamas are bigger. They’re known for their strength, endurance, and high thirst tolerance. For this reason, they’re often used as work animals to carry things over long distances. So, the best way to tell the difference is by size and fluffiness. If it looks big and strong, like it can carry a lot of stuff, it’s probably a llama. If it’s smaller and fluffier, and its fleece looks like it could be used to make really soft mittens, it’s probably an alpaca. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between alpacas and llamas.

Etymology

Origin of alpaca

1805–15; < Spanish < Aymara allpaqa

Explanation

An alpaca is an animal that resembles a long-haired llama or a vicuña. Most alpacas are bred for their wool, which is a popular fiber for sweaters and blankets. Alpacas are a smaller relative of the camel, and they're kept as a domesticated animal by farmers who sell them for meat, or more often, their soft wool. Alpaca fleece is silky and luxurious, and it can be knitted into sweaters and hats that are warmer than sheep's wool and much less itchy. The word alpaca is Spanish, from the Aymara word allpaca, and possibly a root that meant "yellowish-red."

Example Sentences

And they had just gotten lumber for an alpaca barn.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2024

Ms Aylett said the alpaca had been pregnant and nursing a four month old cria - or baby alpaca.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2024

Some of the Cholitas have started making and selling blankets and coats with alpaca wool from the Andes, Huayllas said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2023

"The alpaca was so fluffy that when I put my face on its back, its fleece covered half of my face and it was so cute," said visitor Nana Ide.

From Reuters • Jun. 22, 2023

Sumac remained silent all afternoon as I cleaned the remaining alpaca fur for Mama.

From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis