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

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

All of the zoo's giant land tortoises and lizards that have access to the outdoors will be secured indoors in a heated structure, while the crocodilians will have access to constantly flowing water, Magill said. —Dan Peck, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026

There were also massive rodents weighing hundreds of kilograms, as well as other crocodilians and large mammals that came to drink at the water’s edge. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Jan. 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