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crocodile

noun croc·o·dile \ ˈkrä-kə-ˌdī(-ə)l \
|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Definition of crocodile

1 a : any of several large carnivorous thick-skinned long-bodied aquatic reptiles (family Crocodylidae) of tropical and subtropical waters; broadly : crocodilian
b : the skin or hide of a crocodile
2 chiefly British : a line of people (such as schoolchildren) usually walking in pairs

See crocodile defined for English-language learners

See crocodile defined for kids

Recent Examples of crocodile from the Web

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

Illustration of crocodile

illustration of crocodile

Origin and Etymology of crocodile

Middle English & Latin; Middle English cocodrille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin cocodrillus, alteration of Latin crocodilus, from Greek krokodilos lizard, crocodile, from krokē shingle, pebble + drilos worm; akin to Sanskrit śarkara pebble

CROCODILE Defined for English Language Learners

crocodile

noun

Definition of crocodile for English Language Learners

  • : a large reptile that has a long body, thick skin, and a long, thin mouth with sharp teeth and that lives in the water in regions with hot weather

  • : the skin of the crocodile used for making shoes and others products

  • : a line of people and especially of schoolchildren who are walking in pairs

CROCODILE Defined for Kids

crocodile

noun croc·o·dile \ ˈkrä-kə-ˌdīl \

Definition of crocodile for Students

: a reptile that resembles the related alligator but that has a long narrow snout

History for crocodile

The word crocodile is taken from Greek krokodeilos, which is probably a compound of krokē, “pebble, stone,” and a rare word drilos, which may mean “worm.” According to the ancient Greek writer Herodotus, some Greeks gave this name to the lizards that lived among the stone walls of their farms. When these Greeks visited Egypt, the enormous reptiles of the Nile River reminded them of the lizards and they applied the same name to them.

Learn More about crocodile

  1. See words that rhyme with crocodile Spanish Central: Translation of crocodile Nglish: Translation of crocodile for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of crocodile for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crocodile

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