gharial

noun

gha·​ri·​al ˈger-ē-əl How to pronounce gharial (audio)
: a large long-snouted crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus of the family Gavialidae) of India

Examples of gharial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Beware of giant spiders:Thousands of tarantulas to emerge in 3 states for mating season Critically endangered Over 1,500 gharials live in the wild in India and Nepal, according to National Geographic. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024 Two of the gharials hatched in mid-June and two hatched in mid-July, Poole said. Isabella Volmert, Dallas News, 31 Aug. 2023 The hatchlings were the first gharials born at the zoo and only the second time a gharial has been born in the U.S., according to zoo officials. Isabella Volmert, Dallas News, 31 Aug. 2023 This gnarly-looking gharial is a crocodilian. Courtney Linder, Gloria Dawson, Dan Shapley, Popular Mechanics, 5 Jan. 2023 One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the gharial is the ghara, the bulbous lump at the end of the snout. Emily Sohn, Discover Magazine, 4 July 2018 Already gone from more than 90 percent of its original range, the gharial is now limited to 14 populations. Emily Sohn, Discover Magazine, 4 July 2018 The trio live in Mesa Crocodile Habitat along with other turtles and Indian crocodilians known as gharial. San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Oct. 2022 Carnivores also include reptiles like the Burmese python and the gharial, birds like vultures and roseate spoonbills, and some cuter mammals like otters and seals. Zachary Smith, cleveland, 26 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu ghaṛyāl, ghaṛiyāl, ultimately from Sanskrit ghaṇṭika crocodilian

First Known Use

circa 1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gharial was circa 1809

Dictionary Entries Near gharial

Cite this Entry

“Gharial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gharial. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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