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 image harkens back hunters using Black children as alligator bait, a practice portrayed in old illustrations and recorded in oral histories.
—
Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
In Florida, the marshes and saltwater bays of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness are home to flamingos, manatees and alligators.
—Clare E. Boerigter, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2026
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
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Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
In Florida, the marshes and saltwater bays of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness are home to flamingos, manatees and alligators.
—Clare E. Boerigter, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for alligator
Cite this Entry
“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 10 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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