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
Examples of alligator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Per Sotheby’s, matte alligator Birkins are increasing in popularity and value.
—
Hannah Malach, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
That theory was later debunked when a search of area alligator ponds and the stash house she was allegedly held in turned up nothing.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Scientists had an idea of what prehistoric Appalachia looked like: alligators coexisting with tapirs, turtles and carnivores that resemble modern-day red pandas.
—Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2025
It is also estimated that 12,000 alligators live within the refuge, too.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
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Hannah Malach, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
That theory was later debunked when a search of area alligator ponds and the stash house she was allegedly held in turned up nothing.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Scientists had an idea of what prehistoric Appalachia looked like: alligators coexisting with tapirs, turtles and carnivores that resemble modern-day red pandas.
—Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2025
It is also estimated that 12,000 alligators live within the refuge, too.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alligator
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Cite this Entry
“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alligator
noun
al·li·ga·tor
ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər
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"
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