gavial

noun

ga·​vi·​al ˈgā-vē-əl How to pronounce gavial (audio)

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Bengali ghãṛiyal or Hindi ghaṛyal — more at gharial

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gavial was circa 1825

Dictionary Entries Near gavial

Cite this Entry

“Gavial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gavial. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on gavial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!