alligator Hear it!

alligator Definition

al·li·ga·tor (al′ə gāt′ər)

noun pl. -·tors or -·tor

  1. any of a genus (Alligator) of large crocodilian reptiles found in tropical rivers and marshes of the U.S. and China: its snout is shorter and blunter than the crocodile's, and its teeth do not protrude outside its closed mouth
  2. a scaly leather made from an alligator's hide
  3. ☆ a machine, tool, etc. with a strong, movable, often toothed jaw

Etymology: Sp el lagarto < el, the + L lacerta, lacertus: see lizard

alligator Usage Examples

Converse of subject

eat: His young wife fell into the Amazon and was eaten by an alligator.

Converse of object

  • sun: In capacity up state that still sunning alligators even world's largest flour mill.
  • see: In the evening we venture out in the canoe to see alligators ' eyes glowing in the dark.
  • include: There are over 400 animals including alligators, jaguars, eagles, river otters and kangaroos.
  • stuff: In the 1960's they found an actual stuffed alligator.
  • call: Two of her best friends are Sam and Jody and she keeps a pet alligator called Elvis.
  • spot: Here you can spot alligators, turtles, snakes, amazing bird life and, if you're lucky, bears and panthers.

Adjective modifier

  • giant: He is later attacked by one of the giant alligators.
  • pet: ANIMAL MAGIC 26 What is the name of Sonny Crockett's pet alligator in Miami Vise?
  • American: But these South American alligators are shy and rarely aggressive.
  • large: I didn't mention to anybody that there was also a large Alligator in the pond!
  • few: HT: And perhaps a few little plastic alligators, just to make the thing more interesting for kids?
  • small: This English antique envelope style clutch is made from the skin of a small alligator with its head adorning the front.

Modifies a noun

  • clip: The Rocket Radio is red plastic, fastened to the fence with an alligator clip.
  • skin: A wonderful vintage clutch style handbag in alligator skin, dating to circa 1930.
  • strap: It comes with a spare orange alligator strap which is sold separately by Bell & Ross for about the £ 200 mark.
  • farm: Enjoy a hiking or bike trail, an airboat trip, a day's fishing or visit an Alligator farm!
  • pool: The zoo's alligator pool has an artificial " beach " with outdoor sun lamps under which the alligators can bask.
  • wrestling: Miccosukee Indian Village - Witness craft making and alligator wrestling, learn about Native American folklore and traditions.

Noun used with modifier

baby: Beyoncé said: " There was a shot where I held a baby alligator.