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

According to the reptile specialist, the iguanas have long, thin tails that can stretch to almost three times the length of their bodies. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

The Eastern casquehead iguana species is from Mexico and Central America. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

Several animals — including iguanas, a bearded dragon, a turtle and two dogs — were also found uncared for, some appearing close to death from malnourishment, in the basement, authorities said. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

During a stay, visitors are welcome to get acquainted with the resident iguanas and paddle along the shoreline in search of colorful reef fish, all while enjoying palatial accommodations and fine dining along the way. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 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