alligator clip

noun

: a spring-loaded clip that has jaws resembling an alligator's and is used for making temporary electrical connections

Illustration of alligator clip

Illustration of alligator clip

Examples of alligator clip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
She was pulled away by Secret Service and went to a Zayre discount store for a phone, unscrewed the speaker cup off the receiver and attached alligator clips to reach her radio station, The Sun reported. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 23 July 2024 Listen to this article The state’s cannabis program’s Social Equity Council began the year by purchasing 3,000 each of yummy round lip balm with melon flavor, black tote bags, lime with black trim alligator clips, and green pen sprayer hand sanitizer, alarming Andrea Comer. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2024 Among the debris, investigators found a key component: an alligator clip just like the one in the bomb that nearly killed Augie’s best friend. Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024 Alongside the wig came alligator clips, a rat-tail comb, an edge brush, scissors, and a hanging wig storage bag. Alexis Jackson, refinery29.com, 24 Aug. 2023 Just secure the alligator clip to a ground and probe for power. Jon Langston, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2022 Keeping a personal glass tip in your pocket is the new alligator clip. Ricardo Baca, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2022 Divide hair into four even quadrants and secure the sections with large alligator clips. Maya Allen, Marie Claire, 10 Apr. 2020 When the cable reaches the end of the main beam, mark that spot with an alligator clip. Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 2 Dec. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator clip was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near alligator clip

Cite this Entry

“Alligator clip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20clip. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

alligator clip

noun
: a clip that has jaws resembling an alligator's and is used to make temporary electrical connections
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!