alligator
1 synonym for alligator, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large reptile with powerful jaws and a broad snout, found mainly in the southeastern United States and China.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use alligator
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
alligator skin
wrestle an alligator
Etymology
From Spanish el lagarto, "the lizard," picked up by English sailors and explorers in the Americas and gradually reshaped into its current spelling.
Full origin of alligator →Frequently asked questions
What does “alligator” mean?
The word “alligator” means a large reptile with powerful jaws and a broad snout, found mainly in the southeastern United States and China. In plain terms, a large, thick-skinned reptile related to crocodiles, native to the Americas (and a related species in China).
How do you pronounce “alligator”?
“Alligator” is pronounced AL-ih-gay-tuh (/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “alligator” in a sentence?
Here is “alligator” used in a sentence: “An alligator basked motionless on the riverbank.”
What part of speech is “alligator”?
“Alligator” is a noun.
Where does the word “alligator” come from?
The word “alligator” comes from Spanish. From Spanish el lagarto, "the lizard," picked up by English sailors and explorers in the Americas and gradually reshaped into its current spelling.
Is “alligator” a common word?
“Alligator” is an uncommon word in modern English.
