Illustration of crocodile
- crocodile 1a
crocodile
noun
croc·o·dile ˈkrä-kə-ˌdī(-ə)l 
1
a
: any of several large, carnivorous, thick-skinned, long-bodied, aquatic reptiles (family Crocodylidae and especially genus Crocodylus) of tropical and subtropical waters that have a long, tapered, V-shaped snout
broadly : crocodilian
b
: the skin or hide of a crocodile
2
chiefly British : a line of people (such as schoolchildren) usually walking in pairs
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web And here is the crocodile strung up, perhaps already decapitated, its lifelessness obscene. 
Joy Williams, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2022 When the second person entered the water to help, he was attacked by the crocodile as well, according to the civil defense office in the western state of Jalisco in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 23 July 2022 The Nile crocodile, found in sub-Saharan Africa, is the most aggressive animal in the world. Liam Gravvat, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2022 And here is the skull, pitted, poorly cured—a different crocodile, yet the same. Joy Williams, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2022 There are 25 pieces, priced at €29,500, excluding VAT (about $30,000) and outfitted with a crocodile-effect calf leather strap. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2022 Here is the crocodile basking among pretty flowers, taking a bit of pleasure there, certainly. Joy Williams, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2022 The tourists were at Mexico's Puerto Vallarta resort when one of the individuals went swimming and was attacked by a crocodile. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 23 July 2022 Two tourists from the United States were attacked by a crocodile in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Monday. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022 See More
Joy Williams, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2022 When the second person entered the water to help, he was attacked by the crocodile as well, according to the civil defense office in the western state of Jalisco in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 23 July 2022 The Nile crocodile, found in sub-Saharan Africa, is the most aggressive animal in the world. Liam Gravvat, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2022 And here is the skull, pitted, poorly cured—a different crocodile, yet the same. Joy Williams, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2022 There are 25 pieces, priced at €29,500, excluding VAT (about $30,000) and outfitted with a crocodile-effect calf leather strap. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2022 Here is the crocodile basking among pretty flowers, taking a bit of pleasure there, certainly. Joy Williams, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2022 The tourists were at Mexico's Puerto Vallarta resort when one of the individuals went swimming and was attacked by a crocodile. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 23 July 2022 Two tourists from the United States were attacked by a crocodile in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Monday. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English & Latin; Middle English cocodrille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin cocodrillus, alteration of Latin crocodilus, from Greek krokodilos lizard, crocodile, from krokē shingle, pebble + drilos worm; akin to Sanskrit śarkara pebble
First Known Use
1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing crocodile
Kids Definition
crocodile
noun
croc·o·dile ˈkrä-kə-ˌdīl
: a reptile that resembles the related alligator but that has a long narrow snout
crocodile
noun
as in alligator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- alligator
- antelope
- snakeskin
- seal
- kid
- lambskin
- calfskin
- sharkskin
- goatskin
- sheepskin
- morocco
- deerskin
- ostrich
- pigskin
- chamois
- pelt
- coat
- cowhide
- doeskin
- horsehide
- cordovan
- fleece
- kidskin
- buckskin
- cabretta
- suede
- patent leather
- capeskin
- fur
- leather
- nubuck
- hide
- skin