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
There are many misconceptions about exotic leather — notably the python, crocodile, and alligator skins that are transformed into the fashion industry’s most luxe handbags and leather goods.
—
Lauren Parker, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
The veteran fisherman, who is based in Kentucky, landed an enormous alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) after chasing it for more than two miles.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Notable species saved include the bald eagle, American alligators, whooping cranes and peregrine falcons.
—Kristin Brown, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2025
Art Weston, a Kentucky resident, went to Lake Livingston, Texas, to catch an alligator gar with the help of an expert guide and fisherman, Captain Kirk Kirkland.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
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Lauren Parker, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
The veteran fisherman, who is based in Kentucky, landed an enormous alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) after chasing it for more than two miles.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Notable species saved include the bald eagle, American alligators, whooping cranes and peregrine falcons.
—Kristin Brown, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2025
Art Weston, a Kentucky resident, went to Lake Livingston, Texas, to catch an alligator gar with the help of an expert guide and fisherman, Captain Kirk Kirkland.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alligator
Cite this Entry
“Alligator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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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