alligator
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.”
How to use alligator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large, thick-skinned reptile related to crocodiles, native to the Americas (and a related species in China).
Alligators and crocodiles are different animals — alligators generally have wider, rounder snouts and are found mainly in fresh water in the Americas.
Word forms
alligatored past tense, alligators plural, alligators singular
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for alligator
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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