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

Darwin took pages of notes on the landscape and its flora and fauna, including mockingbirds, tortoises, finches, and swimming iguanas. — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 14, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2026

Short-haired or hairless animals tend to cast well, like chihuahuas, Sphynx cats, or iguanas. — Yvonne Villasenor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The man grabbed his iguana (which survived the flight) and left. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Goode needed no persuading about the beauty of animals like New Caledonian geckos, African bush vipers, Caribbean rock iguanas, and similar Cyclura. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026

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