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

Among our stops: Big Talbot Island State Park (otherworldly beauty!), Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (up-close alligator encounters!) and St. Augustine's Nights of Lights (a true winter wonderland!). —Kathryn Varn, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

Posts on such matters are not currently on Dufrene's Facebook and Instagram accounts, which are largely used to showcase his alligator tour guide business. —Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

The alligator slithers through the water holding a bloated snake with the ends missing in its mouth. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

This 45 mm timepiece comes in black and gold, is powered by a one-minute flying tourbillon, and is fitted with a black alligator strap with a titanium and rose gold deployment buckle. —Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 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"