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

All of this is news to Tereza, who works in an alligator meat processing facility. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025

In that case, homeowner Irma Acosta Arya was permanently enjoined from any further feedings, which since 2016 had attracted flocks of vultures as well as raccoons, alligators and a bobcat. —Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025

Other suggestions from around the city were put forward by The Athletic’s Larry Holder and Chris Branch and include restaurants that serve a shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake and an infamous collard green melt. —Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

There are two additional strap options: white or gray alligator, for those that like to mix it up. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025

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"