alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər 

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

• alligator 1

Examples of alligator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The zoo said the toy apparently fell into Guinness the American alligator's habitat on Friday. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 22 June 2026

The unlined Sahariana jacket in wool-and-linen herringbone was worn over a striped shirt, while the Travel Jacket in lightweight wool hopsack with alligator-print nubuck details reflected Brioni’s sophisticated style. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

The Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo said in a statement that the Tropical House –where the alligators and crocodiles are kept - will remain closed until further notice, out of respect for the family. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

The official cover art keeps the franchise's collage format, with Lucia and Jason at the center against a pastel Vice City skyline, surrounded by a helicopter, a motorcycle, an alligator and supporting characters. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

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

Phrases Containing alligator

• alligator clip
• alligator pear
• alligator snapper
• alligator snapping turtle

Rhymes for alligator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər 

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"