Added 9 October 2026
alligator
/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə/ noun
In Latin: alligator Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about alligator at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Leather made from alligator's hide.
- Either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with shorter broader snouts.
verb
- Crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application; of paint and varnishes.
Origin
] From early Modern English alligater, alligarta, aligarto, alegarto, alagarto, from Spanish el lagarto (“the lizard”), from Latin lacertus (“lizard”), modern spelling possibly influenced by the unrelated Latin alligator (“one who binds”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)