iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwä-nə How to pronounce iguana (audio)
: any of various large chiefly herbivorous usually green or brownish tropical American lizards (family Iguanidae, the iguana family) that have a serrated dorsal crest and large dewlap
broadly : any of various large lizards

Illustration of iguana

Illustration of iguana

Examples of iguana 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.
However, if iguanas are immobilized for too long during extended cold snaps, their digestive systems can sour and create deadly bacterial infections. Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 People bring their iguanas, cats, dogs, gerbils, and hamsters. Joanna Solotaroff, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024 Who can resist a Saturday night spent with a boa constrictor or a python or an iguana? Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024 Credit: Humane Iguana Control One Florida homeowner can breathe a sigh of relief after an iguana was successfully removed from their fireplace. Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for iguana 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Arawak & Carib iwana

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of iguana was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near iguana

Cite this Entry

“Iguana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iguana. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

iguana

noun
igua·​na i-ˈgwän-ə How to pronounce iguana (audio)
: any of various large plant-eating tropical American lizards that have a ridge of tall scales along the middle of the back and loose skin hanging below the neck

More from Merriam-Webster on iguana

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