noun Uncommon

alligator

AL-ih-gay-tuh

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Alligator (noun) means a large reptile with powerful jaws and a broad snout, found mainly in the southeastern United States and China. Example: “An alligator basked motionless on the riverbank.”

noun

A large reptile with powerful jaws and a broad snout, found mainly in the southeastern United States and China.

"An alligator basked motionless on the riverbank."

"Visitors are warned not to swim in waters known to have alligators."

How to use alligator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA large, thick-skinned reptile related to crocodiles, native to the Americas (and a related species in China).

Common mistake

Alligators and crocodiles are different animals — alligators generally have wider, rounder snouts and are found mainly in fresh water in the Americas.

Easily confused with

crocodile →

Common pairings

alligator skin wrestle an alligator

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: alligators
Third person singular: alligators
Past tense: alligatored

Test yourself on “alligator” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

An _____ basked motionless on the riverbank.

Etymology

From Spanish el lagarto, "the lizard," picked up by English sailors and explorers in the Americas and gradually reshaped into its current spelling.

Origin: Spanish

Synonyms

View more →

gator

Related words

gator caiman

Rhymes for alligator

gator orator locator aviator senator equator Creator curator rotator operator agitator elevator

See all rhymes for 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.

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