iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwä-nə 

: any of various large chiefly herbivorous usually green or brownish tropical American lizards (family Iguanidae, the iguana family) that have a serrated dorsal crest and large dewlap

broadly : any of various large lizards

Illustration of iguana

Examples of iguana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since then, the zoo has produced over 100 iguana hatchlings and contributed to important research showing the genetic diversity of Fiji's iguanas. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

The results showed that native Fijian iguana populations have much greater genetic diversity than previously thought — possibly pointing to an entirely new species of iguana. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025

Three plastic containers were holding 10 iguanas, according to the post. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025

Individual land owners have options in who to contact when trying to deter iguanas. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Arawak & Carib iwana

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing iguana

• marine iguana

Rhymes for iguana

• asana
• chicana
• liana
• madonna
• maulana
• nirvana
• purana
• sadhana
• ana
• bwana
• dhyana
• donna

Kids Definition

iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwän-ə 

: any of various large plant-eating tropical American lizards that have a ridge of tall scales along the middle of the back and loose skin hanging below the neck