alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce alligator (audio)
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

Illustration of alligator
  • alligator 1

Examples of alligator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An alligator was spotted floating next to kayakers in a Pennsylvania river. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2023 These measures were taken following the tragic death of a toddler who was attacked by an alligator while visiting Disney World in 2016. Lizzy Rosenberg, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2023 In 2016, a 2-year-old boy was attacked and killed by an alligator on the beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa near Orlando. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023 Hunters begin to realize how big the alligator was Woods said at 3:30 a.m. Brian Broom, USA TODAY, 29 Aug. 2023 The floor-length strapless gown is almost entirely constructed from metal duckbill (or alligator) hair clips. Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Sep. 2023 Take a rugged ride through the brush, mud, and swamps of Florida and search for alligators, deer, and all kinds of wildlife on the ranch. Anna Mahan, Country Living, 10 Sep. 2023 One picture shows an alligator, illuminated by Caulfield, with its mouth open and framed by tall grass. Richard Sandomir, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023 Nearly extinct by the 1940s, American alligators were first protected in the state of Alabama in 1938 and added to the federal endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1967. Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 30 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alligator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near alligator

Cite this Entry

“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

alligator

noun
al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər How to pronounce alligator (audio)
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"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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