iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwä-nə How to pronounce iguana (audio)
: 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

Illustration of iguana

Examples of iguana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 10-acre wild animal refuge at 5712 Vía Montellano in Bonsall, is home to more than 100 animals representing 70 species from around the world, ranging from wallabies, bearcats and armadillos to porcupines, binturongs, lynx, marsupials and kinkajou along with an iguana and alligators. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 Sunday’s cold snap provided an opportunity to capture and transport iguanas which have invaded South Florida communities, eating landscaping and pooping in swimming pools. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026 With temperatures expected to dip to lows not felt since 2010, state wildlife officials are seeing it as an opportunity to make a dent in the population of green iguanas, which are an invasive species that has flourished in Florida since being introduced decades ago through the pet trade. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 In the past, iguanas have been seen falling out of trees, and alligators appeared motionless in frozen waterways. Dan Peck, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for iguana

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Arawak & Carib iwana

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of iguana was in 1555

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Iguana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iguana. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

iguana

noun
igua·​na i-ˈgwän-ə How to pronounce iguana (audio)
: 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

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