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

When the law passed on a sweeping bipartisan vote, species such as American alligators, gray wolves, and even the United States’ national symbol, the bald eagle, were on the brink of extinction. — Medara Udoekong, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026

People who live in Florida must also realize that the alligators were here first, and not be so quick to call a trapper when a gator is sunning in a public space. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

And just one day later, on June 28, another Florida alligator attack turned deadly. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The phrase fused long-standing claims that alligators preferred Black flesh with newer stories of Black children being used to attract the reptiles. — The Conversation, 11 Aug. 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"