Illustration of alligator clip
alligator clip
noun
: a spring-loaded clip that has jaws resembling an alligator's and is used for making temporary electrical connections
Examples of alligator clip in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Among the debris, investigators found a key component: an alligator clip just like the one in the bomb that nearly killed Augie’s best friend.
—
Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024
Alongside the wig came alligator clips, a rat-tail comb, an edge brush, scissors, and a hanging wig storage bag.
—Alexis Jackson, refinery29.com, 24 Aug. 2023
Just secure the alligator clip to a ground and probe for power.
—Jon Langston, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2022
Keeping a personal glass tip in your pocket is the new alligator clip.
—Ricardo Baca, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2022
Divide hair into four even quadrants and secure the sections with large alligator clips.
—Maya Allen, Marie Claire, 10 Apr. 2020
When the cable reaches the end of the main beam, mark that spot with an alligator clip.
—Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 2 Dec. 2019
Open an elevator phone cabinet, attach alligator clips to the phone line, attach your own phone and call 1-800-444-4444, which reads your number back to you.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 9 Aug. 2019
Mueller became famous for designing the alligator clip, which became his business--producing about 100,000 clips and 33,000 insulators daily in the '60s.
—Anne Nickoloff, cleveland.com, 11 Apr. 2018
Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024
Alongside the wig came alligator clips, a rat-tail comb, an edge brush, scissors, and a hanging wig storage bag.
—Alexis Jackson, refinery29.com, 24 Aug. 2023
Just secure the alligator clip to a ground and probe for power.
—Jon Langston, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2022
Keeping a personal glass tip in your pocket is the new alligator clip.
—Ricardo Baca, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2022
Divide hair into four even quadrants and secure the sections with large alligator clips.
—Maya Allen, Marie Claire, 10 Apr. 2020
When the cable reaches the end of the main beam, mark that spot with an alligator clip.
—Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 2 Dec. 2019
Open an elevator phone cabinet, attach alligator clips to the phone line, attach your own phone and call 1-800-444-4444, which reads your number back to you.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 9 Aug. 2019
Mueller became famous for designing the alligator clip, which became his business--producing about 100,000 clips and 33,000 insulators daily in the '60s.
—Anne Nickoloff, cleveland.com, 11 Apr. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alligator clip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1935, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near alligator clip
Cite this Entry
“Alligator clip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20clip. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
alligator clip
noun
: a clip that has jaws resembling an alligator's and is used to make temporary electrical connections
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