alligator

[ al-i-gey-ter ]

noun

1. either of two broad-snouted crocodilians of the genus Alligator, of the southeastern U.S. and eastern China.
2. (loosely) any broad-snouted crocodilian, as a caiman.
3. Metallurgy. a machine for bringing the balls of iron from a puddling furnace into compact form so that they can be handled.
4. Jazz. an enthusiastic fan of swing.

verb (used without object)

1. (of paint, varnish, or the like) to crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application to a surface.
2. Metalworking. (of a rolled metal slab) to split and curl up and down at one end; fishmouth.

alligator

/ ˈælɪˌɡeɪtə /

noun

1. a large crocodilian, Alligator mississipiensis, of the southern US, having powerful jaws and sharp teeth and differing from the crocodiles in having a shorter and broader snout: family Alligatoridae (alligators and caymans)
2. a similar but smaller species, A. sinensis, occurring in China near the Yangtse River
3. any crocodilian belonging to the family Alligatoridae
4. any of various tools or machines having adjustable toothed jaws, used for gripping, crushing, or compacting

Word History and Origins

Origin of alligator¹

1560–70; < Spanish el lagarto the lizard < Vulgar Latin *ille that + *lacartus, for Latin lacertus lizard

Word History and Origins

Origin of alligator¹

C17: from Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from Latin lacerta

Example Sentences

He says such themes could be found in unexpected places, including the background of Louis the alligator.

From Los Angeles Times

And then with the hair adornment, you have the alligator, you have honey bees.

From Los Angeles Times

The groom, meanwhile, swapped the camo gear he wears as an alligator tour guide for Airboat Tours by Arthur for a classic three-piece suit in a dark color.

From Los Angeles Times

They found that the alligator, a crocodilian, was unable to really grasp advanced visual perspective taking.

From Salon

The elusive alligator lived in the lake for almost two years, until his capture in May 2007, when he was taken to the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Alligator Vs. Crocodile

What’s the difference between alligators and crocodiles?

Alligators and crocodiles are both large, lizardlike reptiles known for their large, powerful jaws and sharp teeth, their long tails, and their thick, plated skin.

However, you can tell them apart through some physical differences. Alligators are typically darker and have broader snout. Crocodiles are often lighter in color and have a narrower snout.

When they’re in the water, alligators typically lurk under the surface, with only their eyes visible. In contrast, crocodiles typically hold the top of their head out of the water. When alligators’ jaws are closed, only their upper teeth are visible, but both the upper and lower teeth of crocodiles are visible when their jaws are closed.

Alligators mainly live in the southeastern U.S. and eastern China. Crocodiles live in tropical areas of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. The only place that wild alligators and crocodiles have been documented as inhabiting the same area is in south Florida.

Taxonomically speaking, alligators and crocodiles are not only different species, they also belong to a different genus (alligators belong to the genus Alligator, while crocodiles belong to the genus Crocodylus). Still, they both belong to the order Crocodylia, which means they can both be called crocodilians.

Here’s an example of alligator and crocodile used correctly in a sentence.

Example: Florida is known for its population of alligators, although a few crocodiles also live in the extreme south.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between alligators and crocodiles.

Quiz yourself on alligator vs. crocodile!

Should alligator or crocodile be used in the following sentence?

You can tell that it’s a _____ because of its long, narrow snout and the fact that its upper and lower teeth are visible when its mouth is closed.