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
The animal, named Galahadosuchus jonesi, belonged to Crocodylomorpha, the broader group that includes modern crocodiles and alligators.
—
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
The discovery adds to scientists’ understanding of crocodylomorphs, the broader group that includes modern crocodiles and alligators.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
The species belonged to a group called Crocodylomorpha, the broader group that includes modern crocodiles and alligators.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
Across Arizona’s Sky Islands, home to many black bears, valleys and hillslopes are dotted with the rusty corpses of Emory oak, alligator juniper and manzanitas.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
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Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
The discovery adds to scientists’ understanding of crocodylomorphs, the broader group that includes modern crocodiles and alligators.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
The species belonged to a group called Crocodylomorpha, the broader group that includes modern crocodiles and alligators.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
Across Arizona’s Sky Islands, home to many black bears, valleys and hillslopes are dotted with the rusty corpses of Emory oak, alligator juniper and manzanitas.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 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 2 Mar. 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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