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Definition of gator

gator

/ˈɡeɪ.tɚ/
Plural:gators
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gator Lexical Profile

gator Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American An informal shortening of alligator, a large semiaquatic reptile of the family Alligatoridae native to the southeastern United States and eastern China, characterized by a broad, rounded snout and heavily armored skin.

Example

"The wildlife tour guide pointed out a six-foot gator sunning itself on a muddy bank along the bayou."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gator

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'gator' with the homophone 'gaiter', which refers to a protective covering of cloth or leather worn over the ankle and lower leg.

• Rhymes for gator

• Nearby Words

gatherer
gathering
gatineau
gator
gaucho
gauchos
gaudily

Word Origin & Etymology

Attested in the mid-19th century as a colloquial American English clipping of 'alligator', which itself derives from Spanish 'el lagarto' (meaning 'the lizard'), ultimately from Latin 'lacerta'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gator. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gator
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