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Definition of alligator
1a : 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 toothb : crocodilian
2 : leather made from alligator hide
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Recent Examples of alligator from the Web
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Forest preserve workers also had to fish an alligator out of the lake once.
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One year ago, Lane Graves was tragically killed by an alligator while playing near the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Walt Disney World resort.
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Even though Russell lives in the state where people attack Wendy’s workers with alligators in the drive-thru window, Florida is still in America.
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From wetlands in Florida to tropical forests in Hawaii, the lands are set aside for migratory birds, alligators, bears and countless other creatures.
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Get close to sharks and piranhas; dare him to touch a stingray, ball python, bearded dragon, or even an alligator.
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The park began posting signs warning visitors not to feed the croc in July, a month after an alligator grabbed and killed a toddler from the edge of a lake at a Disney resort.
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The horse travels the fair circuit with a 3,400-pound steer and 1,100-pound alligator from their home farm in Florida.
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During one recent class, the women shared gripes over the challenging alligator crawl.
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
ALLIGATOR Defined for English Language Learners
alligator
playDefinition of alligator for English Language Learners
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: 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
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: the skin of an alligator used for making shoes and other products
ALLIGATOR Defined for Kids
alligator
playDefinition 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
Learn More about alligator
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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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