Alligator — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər/ al·li·ga·tor

Meaning & Definition of Alligator

Alligator (noun)

  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

Alligator (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in crocodile, ostrich

    similar: antelope, buckskin, cabretta, calfskin, capeskin, chamois, cordovan, cowhide, crocodile, deerskin, doeskin, goatskin, horsehide, kid, kidskin, lambskin, morocco, ostrich, pigskin, seal, sharkskin, sheepskin, snakeskin, coat, fleece, fur, pelt, nubuck, patent leather, suede, hide, leather, skin

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Alligator

The most common words with a similar meaning to Alligator:

antelope, buckskin, cabretta, calfskin, capeskin, chamois, cordovan, cowhide, crocodile, deerskin, doeskin, goatskin, horsehide, kid, kidskin, lambskin, morocco, ostrich, pigskin, seal, sharkskin, sheepskin, snakeskin, coat, fleece, fur, pelt, nubuck, patent leather, suede, hide, leather, skin

Origin & Etymology of Alligator

Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from el the (from Latin ille that) + lagarto lizard, from Vulgar Latin *lacartus, from Latin lacertus, lacerta lizard

First known use: 1591

Words & Phrases Containing Alligator

alligator clip, alligator pear, alligator snapping turtle

Frequently Asked Questions about Alligator

What does "Alligator" mean?

"Alligator" means 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. As a noun, it is defined as: 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.

What is another word for "Alligator"?

Other words for "Alligator" include antelope, buckskin, cabretta, calfskin, capeskin, chamois, cordovan and cowhide. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Alligator" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Alligator"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Alligator". Common alternatives include antelope, buckskin, cabretta, calfskin, capeskin, chamois, cordovan, cowhide, crocodile and deerskin.

Is "Alligator" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Alligator" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Alligator"?

"Alligator" is pronounced /ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər/ and divided into syllables as al·li·ga·tor.

What is the origin of the word "Alligator"?

"Alligator" comes from Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from el the (from Latin ille that) + lagarto lizard, from Vulgar Latin *lacartus, from Latin lacertus, lacerta lizard. First known use: 1591.

What is another word for "Alligator" meaning "as in crocodile, ostrich"?

When "Alligator" (noun) means as in crocodile, ostrich, synonyms include antelope, buckskin, cabretta, calfskin, capeskin and chamois.