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

In fact, the Endangered Species Act has produced some spectacular recovery successes, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and American alligator. —Pepper Trail, Denver Post, 6 May 2025

That could include birds and their eggs, from burrowing owls to songbirds, turtles and turtle eggs, frogs, crabs, fish, snakes, small mammals and even young alligators or crocodiles. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025

An increase in awareness will keep humans safe and save alligator lives, too. —Charna Flam, People.com, 2 May 2025

The Magic are like an alligator during the dry season when faster and sleeker land animals are looking for water. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025

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"