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

As childhood memories are made and fade in the same instant, siblings Lily and Bodhi diverge at the dawn of life beyond their home, a Colorado alligator sanctuary. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026

This is bad news for the species that eat crayfish — a long list that includes most wading birds and small mammals, along with alligators, turtles, bass, gar, and other gamefish. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 12 Mar. 2026

The facility sits in a remote stretch of the Everglades surrounded by wetlands and wildlife — including many alligators — miles from major population centers. —Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

The audio tour also shares information about the local bird and alligator populations. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 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"