green anole

noun

plural green anoles

: an anole (Anolis carolinensis) of the southeastern U.S. that can vary its skin color from green to brown and is often kept as a pet

The true chameleon and the green anole have much in common. They are both lizards. Most species live in trees or bushes, subsisting mainly on insects. Both can change color, although the anole's ability to do so is considerably more limited than the chameleon's.

—David Crews

called also American chameleon, Carolina anole

Illustration of green anole

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

green anole

noun

: a long-tailed lizard of the southeastern U.S. that is often found on trees and can change from green to brown