Illustration of alligator
- alligator 1
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
Examples of alligator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Visitors can walk 7 miles of trails and see 140 bird species and animals such as manatees, dolphins, alligators, otters, bobcats, sea turtles and gopher tortoises.
—
Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
The restitution paid in the case will go toward research and management of the state’s American alligator population, officials said.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
An alligator emerged from the water once Rivas entered it, attacking him and injuring both of his arms, state police and the sheriff's office said.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Scenic lake cruises, narrated by local guides, are also available, during which visitors can see abundant wildlife such as alligators, otters, turtles, seabirds, and more.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alligator
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Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
The restitution paid in the case will go toward research and management of the state’s American alligator population, officials said.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
An alligator emerged from the water once Rivas entered it, attacking him and injuring both of his arms, state police and the sheriff's office said.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Scenic lake cruises, narrated by local guides, are also available, during which visitors can see abundant wildlife such as alligators, otters, turtles, seabirds, and more.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alligator
Cite this Entry
“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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