alpaca

[ al-pak-uh ]

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.

alpaca

¹

/ 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

alpaca

²

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a type of nickel silver used in jewellery

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpaca¹

1805–15; < Spanish < Aymara allpaqa

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpaca¹

C18: via Spanish from Aymara allpaca

Origin of alpaca²

of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

From ziplining and a farm tour with alpacas to a candlelit orchestra show, here are gifts for the person who prefers adventure over objects this holiday season.

From Los Angeles Times

Other animals at the manor including alpacas, goats and horses.

From BBC

Defra said keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids, including llamas and alpacas, and other ruminants must remain vigilant and follow the restrictions applying to animal movements.

From BBC

And they had just gotten lumber for an alpaca barn.

From Los Angeles Times

Based at Scotland’s Rural College site in West Lothian, they were out in the fields with goats and alpacas.

From BBC