alligator

al-li-ga-tor · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large semiaquatic reptile similar to a crocodile but with a broader and shorter head, native to the Americas and China.

  2. 2.

    The leather made from alligator skin.

Forms

plural: alligators

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    see you later, alligator — A playful farewell phrase, often followed by "in a while, crocodile."
  • •
    gator — Informal short form of alligator.
  • •
    alligator wrestling — The practice of wrestling alligators for entertainment.

Related words

See also: crocodile, reptile, swamp
Synonyms: crocodilian, gator

Etymology

From Spanish el lagarto ("the lizard"), from Latin lacertus ("lizard"). The Spanish phrase was borrowed into English in the 16th century and gradually transformed into "alligator."