: 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
Recent Examples on the WebOnce considered threatened, there are about 5 million alligators living in the U.S. now.—Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 29 May 2024 Fugate previously told the Star that concerns for the alligator’s welfare were much stronger than any danger posed to the public.—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024 An emotional support alligator is missing in Georgia.—Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 23 May 2024 In April, the alligator made his first newsworthy appearance when he was found napping underneath an airplane on the base's tarmac.—Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 21 May 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
Share