caiman

play

noun cai·man \ ˈkā-mən ; kā-ˈman , kī- \

variants: or less commonly cayman

Definition of caiman

:any of several Central and South American crocodilians (genera Caiman, Melanosuchus, and Paleosuchus) similar to alligators

See caiman defined for kids

Recent Examples of caiman from the Web

According to Ms. Griswold, her father was also devoted to the family’s unusual pet: a caiman named Calvin.

— christina tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Dr. John Griswold of White Hall dies," 27 Aug. 2017
The crocs can be found only in the Zapata Swamp in a habitat deemed the smallest for any living croc species, which include alligators, crocs and caimans.

— jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Like to pet alligators? Head to Croc Fest," 23 June 2017
There are shots of thick clouds of butterflies against the blue sunset sky shaded by Amazonian tree canopies, and ominous dark river water that is likely filled with piranhas and black caimans, waiting.

— donovan webster, Smithsonian, "How Director James Gray Discovered the Insanity Behind the Search for “The Lost City of Z”," 11 Apr. 2017
Bait your hook with a bloody ox heart (no need to bring your own; the guide will provide one) and toss any unwanted catch to one of the caimans waiting patiently, usually, on the banks.

— deborah dunn, Town & Country, "The Ultimate Guide to Brazil," 29 Apr. 2016
The vast majority were common caimans, an animal that likely numbers in the millions and is not of conservation concern.

— tim laman, National Geographic, "Snakes, Sharks, and Other Wild Animals Americans Want," 3 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'caiman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.