iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwä-nə 

: 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

Examples of iguana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Arawak & Carib iwana

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing iguana

• marine iguana

Kids Definition

iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwän-ə 

: 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