Illustration of alligator
- alligator 1
alligator
noun
al·li·ga·tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər 
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web At least three people have died in alligator attacks in 2022 alone, including two people in Florida. 
Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 However, experts say alligator attacks – especially fatal ones – are rare. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2022 The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident, the latest in a small string of fatal alligator attacks this summer. Gina Martinez, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2022 There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 7 Aug. 2022 Leesburg police posted an image Wednesday of an alligator hiding under one of its squad cars. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2022 According to the Times, fatal alligator attacks in the U.S. are rare, averaging about one per year. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 27 June 2022 The recent rise in alligator attacks is due to the population increase of alligators and humans, according to Myrtle Beach SC News. Emmett Jones, Fox News, 25 June 2022 Alligator attacks have been on the rise in Florida in recent years, with The Tampa Bay Times reporting in 2018 that the increase in population and development in the state has correlated with a higher number of alligator attacks. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE.com, 21 Sep. 2021 See More
Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 However, experts say alligator attacks – especially fatal ones – are rare. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2022 The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident, the latest in a small string of fatal alligator attacks this summer. Gina Martinez, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2022 There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 7 Aug. 2022 Leesburg police posted an image Wednesday of an alligator hiding under one of its squad cars. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2022 According to the Times, fatal alligator attacks in the U.S. are rare, averaging about one per year. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 27 June 2022 The recent rise in alligator attacks is due to the population increase of alligators and humans, according to Myrtle Beach SC News. Emmett Jones, Fox News, 25 June 2022 Alligator attacks have been on the rise in Florida in recent years, with The Tampa Bay Times reporting in 2018 that the increase in population and development in the state has correlated with a higher number of alligator attacks. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE.com, 21 Sep. 2021 See More 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
Phrases Containing alligator
Kids Definition
alligator
noun
al·li·ga·tor ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər
: a large short-legged reptile that has a long body, thick skin, a long broad snout, and sharp teeth and is related to the crocodile and lizards
alligator
noun
as in crocodile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- crocodile
- antelope
- snakeskin
- kid
- seal
- pigskin
- morocco
- sharkskin
- lambskin
- calfskin
- ostrich
- deerskin
- goatskin
- sheepskin
- chamois
- horsehide
- coat
- cordovan
- doeskin
- pelt
- kidskin
- cowhide
- cabretta
- buckskin
- fleece
- suede
- capeskin
- patent leather
- fur
- leather
- nubuck
- hide
- skin