alligator

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noun al·li·ga·tor \ ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər \

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

The flooding could leave neighborhoods underwater for days and, as previous hurricanes have done, surface sewage, coffins, and even alligators seeking safety on higher ground.

— marina koren, The Atlantic, "‘The Rainfall Threat Is Only Beginning’," 26 Aug. 2017
Alligators tend to choose their meals by size, and many pets and small children fit within their parameters.

— kate irby, miamiherald, "They caught the alligator, but they couldn’t save the dog," 17 Aug. 2017
Far from draining the swamp, Donald Trump simply wants to feed his alligators rather than Democratic ones.

— michael tanner, National Review, "No to Coal Subsidies, No to Corporate Welfare," 16 Aug. 2017
Gatorland, which opened in 1949, has about 2,000 alligators.

— dewayne bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando airport adds Brazil flights; Gatorland, SeaWorld updates," 13 Aug. 2017
In a state that counts alligators, sharks and hurricanes among its many dangers, add lightning.

— lizette alvarez, New York Times, "Hit by Lightning: Tales From Survivors," 18 July 2017
No VA benefits, just a handshake and a tattoo of an alligator on his bicep.

— alden woods, azcentral, "'Here for the eviction': More renters forced from homes as affordable-housing crisis deepens," 16 July 2017
The woman was bitten around 6 p.m. by a 10-foot alligator, district spokeswoman Alexis Rothring said.

— CBS News, "Woman, 71, bitten by big gator in gated Florida community," 10 July 2017
Its website offers everything from $33,000 alligator-skin bags to $105 t-shirts.

— stephanie baker, Bloomberg.com, "Christopher Bailey’s Out as Burberry CEO. He Couldn’t Be Happier," 5 July 2017

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.

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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

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First Known Use: 1591

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ALLIGATOR Defined for English Language Learners

alligator

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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

ALLIGATOR Defined for Kids

alligator

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noun al·li·ga·tor \ ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər \

Definition of alligator for Students

:a large short-legged reptile that has a long body, thick skin, a long broad snout, and sharp teeth and is related to the crocodile and lizards

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See words that rhyme with alligator Spanish Central: Translation of alligator Nglish: Translation of alligator for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of alligator for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alligator

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