caiman

1 of 2

noun (1)

cai·​man ˈkā-mən  kā-ˈman 

kī-

variants or less commonly cayman

: any of several Central and South American crocodilians (such as genera Caiman, Melanosuchus, and Paleosuchus) similar to alligators

cayman

2 of 2

noun (2)

cay·​man

less common spelling of caiman

: any of several Central and South American crocodilians (such as genera Caiman, Melanosuchus, and Paleosuchus) similar to alligators

Examples of caiman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although no Florida study has yet measured the extent of competition between caimans, alligators and crocodiles, researchers say the possibility warrants closer monitoring. —Sergio Candido, CBS News, 16 June 2026

In a 2012 study published in PLOS One, researchers measured the bite force and tooth pressure across all 23 living crocodilian species (i.e., crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials). —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Noun

La Selva always had caymans, but only the less aggressive and less territorial dwarf and white species. —Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Spanish caimán, probably from Carib caymán

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for caiman

• hymen
• liman

Kids Definition

caiman

noun

cai·​man

variants also cayman

kā-ˈman, 

kī-;

ˈkā-mən

: any of several Central and South American reptiles closely related to and resembling alligators