alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər 

1

: either of two large carnivorous, thick-skinned, long-bodied, aquatic, crocodilian reptiles (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern U.S. and A. sinensis of China) that have a broad head with a slightly tapered, long, rounded, U-shaped snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth

broadly : crocodilian

2

: leather made from alligator hide

Illustration of alligator

• alligator 1

Examples of alligator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An alligator with a sense of humor knocked on a North Carolina woman’s front door in the middle of the night, and the rascal got a rather rude response. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026

The company will also be making a tenants’ club on the 61st floor, where Margaret Bourke-White briefly kept a studio in the 1930s and, glamorously if extralegally, insisted on living (with two pet alligators). — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 7 Oct. 2026

Two bright, airy levels showcase gleaming white marble floors and Venetian plaster walls paired with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and exotic alligator and stingray leather accents, plus scenic views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026

Suavecito pomade for me, alligator boots and a 100X gray Stetson for my dad. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from el the (from Latin ille that) + lagarto lizard, from Vulgar Latin *lacartus, from Latin lacertus, lacerta — more at lizard

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alligator

• alligator clip
• alligator pear
• alligator snapper
• alligator snapping turtle

Rhymes for alligator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər 

1

: either of two large short-legged reptiles resembling crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout

2

: leather made from alligator's hide

Etymology

from Spanish el lagarto "the lizard"