alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce alligator (audio)
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

Illustration of alligator
  • alligator 1

Examples of alligator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the alligator was then trapped and removed from the pond, according to the New York Post. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 There are the alligators that supposedly stalk the sewers. Julia Halperin, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Drone photo and video shows the alligator submerged in muddy water, unmoving. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024 Rare type of alligator The renowned zoo has 10 American alligators, and Thibodaux is a rare leucistic gator, which have translucent white skin and deep blue eyes, according to the Audubon Nature Institute. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024 But others find the alligators a refreshing addition to the park. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2024 And curious alligator fans in Mesa can visit Riverview Park for that purpose. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 8 Feb. 2024 Now between the Beast and the Edge of Hell, Edgar is responsible for the care and feeding of two boa constrictors, three pythons, two anacondas and one alligator named Clamp. Robert Trussell, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024 Go alligator spotting on an airboat tour through the Everglades. Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alligator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near alligator

Cite this Entry

“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alligator

noun
al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər How to pronounce alligator (audio)
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"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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