alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər 

1

: either of two large carnivorous, thick-skinned, long-bodied, aquatic, crocodilian reptiles (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern U.S. and A. sinensis of China) that have a broad head with a slightly tapered, long, rounded, U-shaped snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth

broadly : crocodilian

2

: leather made from alligator hide

Illustration of alligator

• alligator 1

Examples of alligator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once considered threatened, there are about 5 million alligators living in the U.S. now. —Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 29 May 2024

Fugate previously told the Star that concerns for the alligator’s welfare were much stronger than any danger posed to the public. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024

An emotional support alligator is missing in Georgia. —Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 23 May 2024

In April, the alligator made his first newsworthy appearance when he was found napping underneath an airplane on the base's tarmac. —Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from el the (from Latin ille that) + lagarto lizard, from Vulgar Latin *lacartus, from Latin lacertus, lacerta — more at lizard

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alligator

• alligator clip
• alligator pear
• alligator snapper
• alligator snapping turtle

Kids Definition

alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər 

1

: either of two large short-legged reptiles resembling crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout

2

: leather made from alligator's hide

Etymology

from Spanish el lagarto "the lizard"