alligator

noun

al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce alligator (audio)
1
: either of two large carnivorous, thick-skinned, long-bodied, aquatic, crocodilian reptiles (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern U.S. and A. sinensis of China) that have a broad head with a slightly tapered, long, rounded, U-shaped snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth
broadly : crocodilian
2
: leather made from alligator hide

Illustration of alligator

Illustration of alligator
  • alligator 1

Examples of alligator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Alabama is home to the common snapping turtle — typically weighing 10 to 75 pounds — and alligator snapping turtles that can exceed 200 pounds. Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 2 July 2024 Lancaster puts the alligator back into the box and kisses his fiancé. Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 25 June 2024 Getting there in a genre mashup this mashed-up — a killer giant-sized albino alligator? Michael Phillips, Twin Cities, 7 June 2024 While paddling down the St. Johns River near Orlando, Tyler Futrell saw a black bear fighting off a pair of alligators in the middle of the river. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for alligator 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alligator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from el the (from Latin ille that) + lagarto lizard, from Vulgar Latin *lacartus, from Latin lacertus, lacerta — more at lizard

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near alligator

Cite this Entry

“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

alligator

noun
al·​li·​ga·​tor ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər How to pronounce alligator (audio)
1
: either of two large short-legged reptiles resembling crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout
2
: leather made from alligator's hide
Etymology

from Spanish el lagarto "the lizard"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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