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

Out of caution, Pine Meadows Conservation Area will remain closed until the alligator is found and removed, county officials said. —Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Lucchese had American alligator cowboy boots in a shade called black cherry for sale for $17,000. —Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026

Gatorland has taken in its first rescue alligator of the year, an animal measuring 11 feet, 3 inches and found near the south end of Orlando’s International Drive. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

Explore the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes by airboat to spot everything from deer and wild birds to alligators and turtles. —India Amos, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 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"