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
Rescue gator moves in The first rescue alligator of spring has arrived at Gatorland.
—
Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
Paired to a beautiful, matching bracelet and equipped also with rubber or black-lined grey alligator straps, the Overseas Ultra-Thin is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down in an instant.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2025
While cleaning a room at the Pine River Motel in Cheboygan on March 14, staff members found a lurking alligator, according to the Cheboygan Police Department.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
The incident occurred on Sunday in Bradenton, Florida, when police were responding to a report of an 8-foot alligator wandering through the River Isles neighborhood, according to a statement from the Bradenton Police Department.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
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Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
Paired to a beautiful, matching bracelet and equipped also with rubber or black-lined grey alligator straps, the Overseas Ultra-Thin is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down in an instant.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2025
While cleaning a room at the Pine River Motel in Cheboygan on March 14, staff members found a lurking alligator, according to the Cheboygan Police Department.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
The incident occurred on Sunday in Bradenton, Florida, when police were responding to a report of an 8-foot alligator wandering through the River Isles neighborhood, according to a statement from the Bradenton Police Department.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alligator
Cite this Entry
“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 31 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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