gator

ga-tor · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal) An alligator, especially the American alligator found in the southeastern United States.

  2. 2.

    (sports) A fan or player of the University of Florida Gators.

Forms

plural: gators

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    see you later, alligator / in a while, crocodile — a playful farewell exchange
  • •
    gator country — areas where alligators are commonly found

Related words

See also: alligator, crocodile, reptile
Synonyms: alligator

Etymology

A colloquial shortening of alligator, which itself comes from Spanish el lagarto ("the lizard"). The abbreviated form became popular in American Southern dialects in the 19th century.