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

There will be a one-of-a-kind traveling sea lion show, as well as a Wild Things exhibit where visitors can witness some of the world’s most exotic animals, including capybaras, alligators, otters, birds and reptiles. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 11 July 2024

Rockett cites a scene where Pearl reaches into an alligator’s nest and takes the egg out as an example. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 July 2024

Kids might learn about pirates one day and wetlands and alligators the next. 7. —Jamie Davis Smith, USA TODAY, 4 July 2024

Authorities spotted the alligator Tuesday morning near Coastal Oak Drive, just north of the Horsepen Bayou, not far from the woman’s home on Brook Forest Drive. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 May 2024

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

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"