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Definition of american alligator
american alligator
Plural:American alligators
american alligator Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
North American A large, heavily built crocodilian reptile native to the freshwater wetlands, marshes, and rivers of the southeastern United States, distinguished by its broad snout and dark coloration.
Example
"During the airboat tour in the Florida Everglades, we spotted a massive American alligator basking in the sun on the muddy riverbank."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The term combines 'American' (derived from Amerigo Vespucci) and 'alligator', which originates from the Spanish 'el lagarto' (the lizard), a name given by early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of American alligator. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/american alligator