alligator

noun al·li·ga·tor \ ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of alligator

1 a : either of two crocodilians (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern U.S. and A. sinensis of China) having broad heads not tapering to the snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth

b : crocodilian

2 : leather made from alligator hide

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Recent Examples of alligator from the Web

In San Andreas and Rampage, the Golden Gate Bridge may be falling on his head (the former), a giant alligator may be trying to eat him (the latter), but Johnson is often engagingly cheerful.

— gary thompson, Philly.com, "'Rampage': The Rock in a hard place | Movie review," 11 Apr. 2018
The alligator was 11 feet long, according to the deputy.

— ajc homepage, ajc, "11-foot alligator takes dip in Florida pool," 31 Mar. 2018
The alligator used in the video is 61-year-old Sally, Kliebert told Today.com.

— mark price, charlotteobserver, "Baby gender reveal gets wild when couple invites 10-foot gator that's 'like family' | Charlotte Observer," 29 Mar. 2018
Griggs talks about animal displacement and how many of them, like the alligators seen after Harvey and Irma, are able to go back to their natural habitats.

— jennifer michele greenberg, Houston Chronicle, "Run/walk event to benefit Bay Area Habitat projects," 21 Mar. 2018
The fine lady reassured him that the alligator was indeed always a house guest.

— lauren alvarez, Billboard, "'Atlanta' Recap: Season 2 Premiere Chronicles 'Florida Man' & The Alligator in the Room," 2 Mar. 2018
If having a baby wasn’t excitement enough, one family in Louisiana used a live alligator to reveal the gender of the unborn baby — and then posted the moment on Facebook.

— nina mandell, For The Win, "Family uses a live alligator to reveal they're having a baby boy," 28 Mar. 2018
Spencer said alligators are most likely migrating north because the winters in Tennessee are relatively mild.

— madeline farber, Fox News, "7-foot alligator spotted in Tennessee is latest of 'several confirmed sightings,' wildlife agency says," 28 Mar. 2018
In Arizona, alligators are not a concern, but Weynand acknowledged there could be other things in the water.

— luke wright, azcentral, "A recycling deep dive: Golf balls that land in water hazards often find new life," 10 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alligator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of alligator

Origin and Etymology of alligator

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1591

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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ALLIGATOR Defined for English Language Learners

alligator

noun

Definition of alligator for English Language Learners

: a large reptile that has a long body, thick skin, and sharp teeth, that lives in the tropical parts of the U.S. and China, and that is related to crocodiles
: the skin of an alligator used for making shoes and other products