crocodilian

noun

croc·​o·​dil·​ian ˌkrä-kə-ˈdil-yən 

-ˈdi-lē-ən

: any of an order (Crocodylia) of reptiles including the crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials, and related extinct forms

crocodilian adjective

Examples of crocodilian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a 2012 study published in PLOS One, researchers measured the bite force and tooth pressure across all 23 living crocodilian species (i.e., crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials). — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Oh man, the South Region gets started with an absolute banger — a classic battle of panther versus crocodilian, with a cameo appearance by a hawk. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2026

The contrast with modern crocodilians is jarring. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026

This anatomy features a lower jaw with teeth that protrude out between the upper set—a trait previously only seen in flying pterosaurs, marine ichthyosaurs, and semiaquatic crocodilian predators. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crocodilian

• multibillion
• multimillion
• billion
• million
• pillion
• trillion
• castilian
• civilian
• cotillion
• pavilion
• postilion
• quadrillion

Kids Definition

crocodilian

noun

croc·​o·​dil·​ian ˌkräk-ə-ˈdil-ē-ən 

-ˈdil-yən

: any of an order of reptiles that includes the crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and related extinct forms

crocodilian adjective