Illustration of alligator
- alligator 1
alligator
noun
al·li·ga·tor
ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər 
1
: either of two large carnivorous, thick-skinned, long-bodied, aquatic, crocodilian reptiles (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern U.S. and A. sinensis of China) that have a broad head with a slightly tapered, long, rounded, U-shaped snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth
broadly
: crocodilian
2
: leather made from alligator hide
Examples of alligator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One photo depicted two black matte alligator Hermès Birkins, which retail for around $100,000 resale.
—
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
The free event will feature stories, speeches and performances, as well as activities for all ages of alligator enthusiasts.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
The Oklahoma Aquarium is the biggest in the state at 72,000 square feet, and features sharks, jellyfish, alligator gars, as well as beavers and otters.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026
And no one at the hotel had ever mentioned the incident again, out of respect for the alligator hunter’s feelings.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
alligator
noun
al·li·ga·tor
ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər
1
: either of two large short-legged reptiles resembling crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout
2
: leather made from alligator's hide
Etymology
from Spanish el lagarto "the lizard"
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