crocodile

[ krok-uh-dahyl ]

noun

1. any of several crocodilians of the genus Crocodylus, found in sluggish waters and swamps of the tropics.
2. any reptile of the order Crocodylia; crocodilian.
3. the tanned skin or hide of these animals, used in the manufacture of luggage and accessories, as belts, shoes, and wallets.
4. Chiefly British. a file of people, especially schoolchildren, out for a walk.
5. Archaic. a person who makes a hypocritical show of sorrow.

crocodile

/ ˈkrɒkəˌdaɪl /

noun

1. any large tropical reptile, such as C. niloticus ( African crocodile ), of the family Crocodylidae: order Crocodilia (crocodilians). They have a broad head, tapering snout, massive jaws, and a thick outer covering of bony plates
2. any other reptile of the order Crocodilia; a crocodilian
3. 1. leather made from the skin of any of these animals
   2. ( as modifier )

      crocodile shoes

4. informal.
   a line of people, esp schoolchildren, walking two by two

Other Words From

• croc·o·dil·oid [krok-, uh, -, dil, -oid, krok, -, uh, -dahy-loid], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crocodile¹

1250–1300; < Latin crocodīlus < Greek krokódeilos crocodile, originally a kind of lizard, said to be equivalent to krók ( ē ) pebble + -o- -o- + drîlos, dreîlos worm (though attested only in sense “penis”), with r lost by dissimilation replacing Middle English cocodrille < Medieval Latin cocodrilus

Word History and Origins

Origin of crocodile¹

C13: via Old French, from Latin crocodīlus, from Greek krokodeilos lizard, ultimately from krokē pebble + drilos worm; referring to its fondness for basking on shingle

Example Sentences

The huge saltwater crocodile lived in the sanctuary on an island off the coast of Queensland since being caught in Australia's Northern Territory in the 1980s.

From BBC

In 2011, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile in captivity.

From BBC

The world's largest crocodile in captivity has died at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.

From BBC

Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat said in a post on social media that Cassius was "our beloved mate" and "a cherished member of our family".

From BBC

As tourists stumble by with tall cans of Bud Light Lime and cigarettes in hand, Sell’s tattooed, sinewy limbs stretch a matching Lacoste tee and shorts, with the requisite crocodile emblems and matching bright-red shoes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assailant
• thief
• thug